Content warning: This article explores serious themes such as infanticide that may cause distress to some readers. Readers’ discretion is advised.

Infanticide, the act of killing an infant, is a big problem. The term infanticide is when a mother, after the birth of her child, is mentally disturbed and kills her newborn. This article will look into infanticide, its causes, the law in NSW and what’s being done to address the issue.

Infanticide has been recorded in many cultures around the world throughout history, often due to socio-economic or psychological pressures. Today we understand infanticide better, especially the mental health aspect of the crime.

• Postpartum disorders and mental illness can affect a mother’s actions and decisions; or
• Financial stress, lack of support and societal expectations can add to the stress for new parents.

NSW Law

In NSW the law treats infanticide under a separate legal framework to other types of homicide. This acknowledges that parents who commit this act may not have control over their actions due to mental health issues related to childbirth.

• Infanticide in NSW is defined under the Crimes Act 1900 where the charge applies if a child under 12 months is killed by their mother who at the time was mentally disturbed as a result of childbirth or lactation. This is laid out under Section 22A of the Act.
• Sentencing: The courts consider psychological reports and the mother’s mental state postpartum which can result in more lenient sentences than other homicide charges.

What are the psychological and social factors that can cause infanticide?

Knowing the psychological triggers and social conditions that lead to infanticide is key to prevention. Postpartum mental health issues like postpartum depression and psychosis are big factors.

Notably, it is essential to have robust postnatal support systems in place that can reduce the risk of infanticide by providing mental health support to new mums and parents.  More awareness and education around postpartum mental health is key to getting help to those who need it.

How can infanticide be prevented? Prevention of infanticide largely focuses on supporting at-risk mums and increasing mental health services before and after birth. This includes prenatal and postnatal care, and mental health checks. Most importantly, it includes building support networks to provide practical and emotional support to new parents.