Exploring the Relationship Between Abortion Restrictions, Family Planning and Infanticide

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Despite the history and universality of infanticide and neonaticide, there is a dearth of research on this serious public health issue. More alarming, in the last 30 years, the incidence of homicide for children younger than the age of 1 year has increased in some areas. Contrary to popular belief, studies have shown that perpetrators (the large majority mothers) of newborn homicide are not diagnosed with mental illness. Rather, the hallmark example of neonaticide is an unwanted newborn killed directly after birth. This has led scholars to speculate that increased accessibility of abortion is a viable alternative to neonaticide. This idea has gone relatively unexplored and the few studies conducted have not been conclusive. The purpose of this research is to explore this relatively new area and analyze the impact of abortion restrictions, federally funded family planning centers, and other relevant factors on infanticides. Data will be derived from the National Violent Death Reporting System. Policy implications will also be discussed.

Authors

• Amy Reckdenwald, University of Central Florida

• Alexis Yohros, University of Central Florida