Question

“All sudden unexpected infant deaths should be treated as homicide until proved otherwise…”

Comment on the above statement and consider whether the autopsy and other investigations can provide such proof.

Answer 1

Neonaticide ( right after baby's birth) and Infanticide are far more common all over the world than assumed. Especially in countries ridden with sex discrimination and poverty.

When released from hospitals, infants are usually at the best health condition possible or else they are kept under observation. Medical reasons are seldom the cause of death soon after birth. All issues are ruled out during perinatal and neonatal period.

Battered baby syndrome, child abuse are very prevalent during this period of time. The proof can be provided by autopsy. The most common cause of death is suffocation and physical trauma which can easily be deciphered by autopsy. Trachea is impacted and neck shows bruises. Blood investigations can reveal if the death was due to poisoning.