ZIOMKOWSKI, Patrícia    LEVANDOWSKI, Daniela Centenaro. Risk factors for infanticide: analysis of judgments in the court of Rio Grande do Sul state. []. , 12, 2, pp.361-373. ISSN 1809-8908.

This study aimed to describe risk factors associated with infanticide, configured when a mother kills her own child under the influence of puerperal state, during or immediately after childbirth. Judgments rendered in the period 2003-2013, available on the website of the Justice Court of Rio Grande do Sul, were examined through thematic analysis. A pattern of risk factors for this crime was observed in the cases analyzed. Most of the mothers were young and single, with low educational level and no formal jobs. Unwanted and concealed pregnancy, lack of antenatal care, unassisted delivery and, eventually, presence of psychiatric disorders were also identified as risk factors. These findings indicate the need for adequate assistance to pregnant women with these psychosocial characteristics, for the prevention of this kind of fatality.

: Risk factors; Infanticide; Pregnancy; Delivery; Puerperium.

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