Korean J Leg Med.  2023 May;47(2):35-46. 10.7580/kjlm.2023.47.2.35.

Forensic Analysis of the Critical Characteristics in Newborn Infant Abandonment

• Kim YS
• Yu J

• KMID: 2542539
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7580/kjlm.2023.47.2.35

Abstract

Infants are highly vulnerable, requiring the protection of caregivers for their survival. Unfortunately, infant abandonment continues to be committed regularly, posing a serious challenge to the dignity of human life. To identify the motivation and background information of this crime, we analyzed 20 cases of infant abandonment to determine their critical characteristics. We aimed to gather data to assist in crime prevention and ultimately to address the need for new policies to prevent this crime. The results of our analysis are as follows: The mothers who abandoned their infants were in their teens and twenties in 15 cases (75%). The relationship between the biological parents was that of longterm partners in 12 cases (60%). The place of childbirth was the perpetrator’s home in 16 cases (80%). The place of abandonment wasoutdoors in 9 cases (5 cases alive, 4 cases dead) and indoors in 10 cases (5 cases alive, 5 cases dead). Basic life support for the infant was provided in 4 cases. The most common excuse for abandonment was to conceal childbirth in 12 cases, followed by economic hardship in 8 cases. Executions were suspended in 19 cases, and the reasons for the sentences often seemed inadequate, even in light of the provisions of the criminal code. These results indicate that our society has the need to develop the appropriate acts or policies to stop the crime of infant abandonment.

Keyword

Infant; Abandonment; Fatality; Excuse for abandonment; Basic life support