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In many Western countries, new mothers accused of killing young children are afforded legal protection that takes into account her mental condition, but not in the US.
Member rating: No Rating | Words: | Submitted: Fri Nov 21 2003
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By Diane Jennings Suburban Houston mother Andrea Yates, who was being treated for postpartum depression, is facing a possible death penalty in the murders of her five children, ages 6 months to 7 years. In many other Western countries, new mothers accused of killing young children are afforded legal protection that takes into account her mental condition. Special infanticide statutes in 30 countries rule out murder charges and typically impose sentences of probation and counseling, experts say. In the United States, however, laws make no special allowances for a new mother who kills her child while suffering from postpartum depression. Her fate may rest largely on the ability of her attorney to convince a judge or jury that she should not be held responsible. Mrs. Yates, 36, was charged last week with capital murder in the drownings of her children in the bathtub of the family's home in Clear Lake....
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