NEONATICIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Neonaticide is a term used to describe the act or practice of intentionally killing a newborn baby within the first 24 hours of birth. The term is derived from the combination of "neo," relating to newborn infants, and "cide," referring to the act of killing. It represents a specific form of homicide that is limited to the period immediately after childbirth.
Neonaticide can be classified as a form of filicide, which is the killing of one's own child, but it is distinct in that it specifically focuses on infants who are just born or within the first day of life. The reasons for neonaticide vary but can include social, psychological, cultural, or personal factors. These may range from wanting to conceal the pregnancy and birth to feeling unable to cope with the responsibilities associated with a newborn.
The act of neonaticide is generally viewed as an extreme and tragic outcome of complex situations faced by mothers who experience desperate circumstances or find themselves in overwhelming situations. It is often associated with secrecy and shame, as perpetrators may attempt to hide the evidence of their pregnancies and subsequent acts. Neonaticide is universally condemned as a criminal offense, and legal systems often prosecute those who commit this act.
Efforts to prevent neonaticide focus on raising awareness about available resources and support systems for pregnant individuals, as well as providing education about safe and legal alternatives such as adoption or relinquishment to authorities.
Etymology of NEONATICIDE
The word "neonaticide" is derived from two roots: "neo" which means "new" or "recent", and "naticide" which means "killing of an infant".
"Neo" comes from the Greek word "neos", meaning "new" or "recent". It is commonly used as a prefix in words related to something young or recent.
"Naticide" has its roots in the Latin word "natus" which means "born" or "child". The suffix "-cide" comes from the Latin word "caedere", which means "to kill". It is often used to form terms that refer to the act of killing someone or something.
Therefore, by combining "neo" and "naticide", the word "neonaticide" is formed, indicating the killing of a newborn or very young infant.
