The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64091

Rachel Annette Summers, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University System, 1103 University Dr. Suite 100, College Station, TX 77840, 979-845-6957, rasummers@srph.tamushsc.edu

Nationwide estimates indicate that as high as 105 infants are abandoned per year by their new mothers. This problem poses a unique set of characteristics when examining prevention and intervention program possibilities. Several major challenges exist. For instance, there are no required reporting methods for this problem. As a result, abandonment cases are often grouped together with those of child abuse and neglect, thereby making it virtually impossible to obtain a clear picture as to the types of mothers that would resort to such measures. Furthermore, the perpetrators of this crime are rarely found, adding to the difficulty of obtaining a sound sense of pattern. Lastly, the dynamics of this behavior poses an enormous hindrance to research. Not only do the underlying reasons change among different individual situations, but research shows that time and cultural differences continuously shape the problem as well. In an attempt to overcome some of these obstacles, universal case studies have been collected dating back as far as Napoleon times. Based on this supportive research, interpersonal, intrapersonal, psychological, organizational, and policy issues have been examined and analyzed, thus giving insight into the causative factors behind infant abandonment. This information is of utmost importance when designing and implementing prevention/intervention programs.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how the lack of attention given to this problem has created several obstacles for prevention/intervention opportunities
• Identify the ecological factors that influence a mother’s decision to abandon her infant
• Identify unique ways states are attempting to reach out to mothers’ who are at risk of abandonment.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.