Reflections on the care delivered in a suspected case of infanticide

• Published in: Revista latino-americana de enfermagem Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 692 - 698
• Main Authors: Scherer, Edson Arthur, Scherer, Zeyne Alves Pires
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto / Universidade de São Paulo 01-07-2007
• Subjects: Adult; Brazil; Depression, Postpartum; Female; Humans; Infant; Infanticide - legislation & jurisprudence; Infanticide - psychology; Male; NURSING; Psychiatric Department, Hospital; Psychiatric Nursing; Socioeconomic Factors; Brazil; depresión postparto; violencia domestica; infanticide; mortalidade infantil; violência doméstica; mortalidad infantil; depressão pós-parto; infanticídio; infanticidio; domestic violence; depression, postpartum; infant mortality
• ISSN: 0104-1169; 1518-8345; 0104-1169
• DOI: 10.1590/S0104-11692007000400027

This study resulted from the experience of supervising a suspected infanticide case hospitalized at a psychiatric ward. We aimed to find support in scientific literature about infanticide, point out an interdisciplinary health team's affliction and uncertainties when faced with this kind of case and suggest strategies for dealing with these feelings and their possible consequences in dealing with this case. Professionals involved in this case observed their discomfort about the situation and difficulties caused by feelings of guilt about the child's death, whether intentional or not. Specialists suggests that the relation between psychiatry and the law should be facilitated by "demedicalizing" the crime, including socioeconomic factors, comorbidities, domestic violence, cultural norms etc. The team must try and learn from these mothers, overcoming their anger or repulsion with compassion and courage to understand infanticide.