Fetal Abduction by Maternal Evisceration (FAMAE): a forensic psychiatric syndrome

In the most extreme forms of infant abduction, a late term fetus is removed from the mother’s abdomen in a fetal abduction by maternal evisceration (FAMAE). From 1974 to 2017, there have been 19 reported cases in the U.S.A. While statistically rare, the incidence of these traumatic events has been i...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Welner, Michael (Author) ; Burgess, Ann (Author) ; O'Malley, Kate Y. (Author)
Format: Print Article
Language:English
Published: 2024
In: Routledge handbook of homicide studies
Year: 2024, Pages: 296-319
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
USA > Mord > Totschlag > Schwangere > Fetus > Kindesentziehung > Geschichte 1974-2017
Description
Summary:In the most extreme forms of infant abduction, a late term fetus is removed from the mother’s abdomen in a fetal abduction by maternal evisceration (FAMAE). From 1974 to 2017, there have been 19 reported cases in the U.S.A. While statistically rare, the incidence of these traumatic events has been increasing. Through the analysis of these cases, we document FAMAE as a new forensic psychiatric syndrome. This syndrome has particular behavioral patterns, with unique case features, including the perceived infertility of the perpetrator, the perpetrator attaching pivotal importance to pregnancy in a valued but unstable intimate relationship, lying about their own pregnancy, victimization of opportunism coinciding with the anticipated delivery of their claimed pregnancy, premeditation, and a level of detachment from the victim. Implications for psychiatry, and prevention and treatment, are discussed.
Item Description:Literaturverzeichnis: Seite 318-319
ISBN:9781032506593