ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 July 2002
Page Count: 4

Newborn Kidnapping by Cesarean Section
Burgess, AW
Professor of Psychiatric Nursing, Boston College School of Nursing, MA

Nahirny, C
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, National Center for Missing % Exploited Children, VA

Rabun, JB
Supervisor, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, VA

Baker, T
Adjunct associate professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, PA

(Received 16 February 2002; accepted 8 February 2002)

Abstract

A study of 30 cases of violence from a total sample of 199 cases of infant abductions between the years 1983 and 2000 included a subsample of six (or 20%) where the kidnapping was by cesarean section. The six cases are classified by type of crime. Four cases were classified as personal cause homicide, subtype cesarean section homicide; one case classified as personal cause, subtype domestic homicide, and one case clas-sified as a criminal enterprise homicide. The behavioral profiles of the abductors included a confidence style approach to the victim mother, decep-tion, and planning of the cesarean section. The forensic psychodynamics suggest a dual motive to cement a failing partner relationship and to fulfill a childbearing and delivery fantasy. Cesarean section murder suggests a new category of personal cause homicide.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic behavioral science, Cesarean section homicide, infant abduction, infant kidnapping, homicide

Paper ID: JFS15462J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15462J
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