Medicolegal Evaluation of Infanticide Pattern in Assiut Governorate, Egypt from 2008 to 2013 (a Retrospective Study)

Infanticide is a crime that has been practiced in all societies since the down of humanity. This retrospective study was conducted to assess the magnitude and evaluate the pattern of infanticide in Assiut Governorate from 2008 to 2013 as well as to study the reasons and suggest the solutions for this crime. The pattern was assessed through examination of the medicolegal reports of infanticide cases which referred to the Assiut Medicolegal Department of Ministry of Justice during this period. Infanticide cases were evaluated as regards the number, annual, seasonal and geographical distribution, ways of notification of the crime,  places of concealments of the infants, infant's wrapping, recognition of the victims and accused identities, as well as  the gender, condition of umbilical cord, stage of maturity, causes and time passed since death. Thirty five new born infants were found. The biggest number of cases was found in the years 2011 (8 cases) and 2012 (8 cases). The highest percentage of cases occurred in winter and summer months which represented 42.85% and 31.43% of total case respectively. The highest percentage of cases was found in Abnoub and El Fateh center then Manfalout center which represented 28.57% and 22.86% of total cases respectively. The common places of concealment of the infants were rubbish heaps (31.43%), canals water (22.86%), around and inside buildings (20%) and upon a bridges (14.29%). Infants with wrappings were found in 54.29% while infants without wrappings were found in 45.71% of total cases. Identity of infants and suspects of the crime was recognized in 8.57% of the total cases. The percentage of females (60%) was more than males (40%). Non medical ligation of the umbilical cord was found in 65.72% of total. Full term mature infants represented 88.57% while preterm infants represented 11.43% of total cases.  The commonest causes of death were head injuries (48.57%) followed by omission (of feeding, coverings and umbilical cord ligation) occurred in 28.57% % of total cases while unidentified cause of death represented 23.81% of total cases due to advanced putrefaction. Time passed since death was determined in 65.71% while it was not determined (corpses kept in refrigerators) in 34.29% of total cases. This study suggest to solve this problem to put a specific legislations of infanticide, write a standard medicolegal report about cases, increase public awareness to search and notify about infanticide cases, improve economic and educational states especially of females, active the security and religious roles to prevent illegal sexual relationships, give attention to social care institutions for infants of unknown parentage and treat mothers which have psychiatric disorders.