Infanticide
Infanticide
Infanticide (/ɪnˈfæntɪsaɪd/), derived from the Latin words 'infans' meaning 'unable to speak' and 'caedere' meaning 'to kill', is the act of killing an infant, typically by a parent or caregiver.
History
Historically, infanticide has been practiced by societies around the world for various reasons, including poverty, population control, and gender preference. In some cultures, it was considered a form of postnatal abortion, while in others, it was a socially accepted practice under certain circumstances.
Legal Aspects
In modern times, infanticide is considered a serious crime in most jurisdictions. However, the legal definition and penalties for infanticide can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Some jurisdictions distinguish between infanticide and other forms of homicide based on the age of the child and the mental state of the parent or caregiver at the time of the act.
Psychological Aspects
From a psychological perspective, infanticide is often associated with severe mental health issues, including postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. These conditions can lead to impaired judgment, delusions, and hallucinations, which may contribute to the act of infanticide.
Related Terms
- Neonaticide: The killing of a newborn within the first 24 hours of life.
- Filicide: The killing of one's own child, regardless of age.
- Postpartum depression: A type of mood disorder associated with childbirth, which can cause severe depression and loss of interest in the newborn.
- Postpartum psychosis: A severe mental illness that can occur after childbirth, characterized by a loss of contact with reality.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Infanticide
- Wikipedia's article - Infanticide
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