Infanticide — MCQs

Infanticide Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 41: What is the primary role of a forensic medical examiner in cases involving a 'supposed child' in medico-legal practice?

A. To estimate the gestational age of the deceased infant
B. To conduct DNA paternity testing in disputed parentage cases
C. To investigate child abuse or neglect in living children
D. To determine whether the child was born alive or was stillborn (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***To determine whether the child was born alive or was stillborn*** - A **supposed child** in forensic medicine refers to a **newborn infant found dead** under suspicious circumstances, often in cases of suspected **infanticide**. - The forensic medical examiner's primary role is to determine if the child had **independent existence** after birth (born alive) or was stillborn. - This involves performing **tests for live birth** including hydrostatic test (lung floatation test), stomach/intestinal tests, and examination of vital reactions. - Establishing live birth is crucial for **criminal proceedings** as infanticide requires proof that the child was born alive before death occurred. *To conduct DNA paternity testing in disputed parentage cases* - DNA paternity testing relates to establishing biological relationships but is **not** the primary concern in cases of a **supposed child**. - The term **supposed child** specifically refers to suspected infanticide scenarios, not paternity disputes. *To estimate the gestational age of the deceased infant* - While gestational age assessment may be part of the examination, it is **not the primary role** in supposed child cases. - The key question is whether the child was **born alive**, not the developmental age. *To investigate child abuse or neglect in living children* - A **supposed child** refers specifically to a **dead newborn** found under suspicious circumstances. - This is distinct from child abuse investigations in living children, which involve different medico-legal procedures.

Question 42: A neonate born at home is found dead with skull base fracture, depressed temporal bone fracture, and brain contusions. What is the most likely manner of death?

A. Natural causes
B. Homicide (Correct Answer)
C. Undetermined
D. Accidental death

Explanation: ***Homicide*** - The combination of **skull base fracture**, **depressed temporal bone fracture**, and **brain contusions** in a neonate strongly indicates **non-accidental trauma** (infanticide) - These are **high-energy injuries** requiring **forceful impact**, incompatible with normal birth trauma or typical handling - The pattern of multiple severe traumatic injuries points to **intentional harm** *Natural causes* - Natural infant deaths result from congenital anomalies, infections, or genetic disorders - **Traumatic skull fractures** and **brain contusions** are not manifestations of natural disease processes *Undetermined* - Used when insufficient evidence exists to classify the manner of death - The **specific pattern of severe traumatic injuries** provides clear evidence of non-natural violent death, making this classification inappropriate *Accidental death* - Normal birth trauma may cause minor injuries (cephalohematoma, linear skull fractures) - The presence of **multiple severe fractures** (skull base + depressed temporal bone) with **brain contusions** exceeds the injury pattern of accidental birth trauma or postnatal accidents - Such extensive injuries in a neonate indicate intentional violence rather than accident

Practice by Chapter

Viability of Newborn

Practice Questions

Live Birth and Stillbirth

Practice Questions

Causes of Death in Newborns

Practice Questions

Infanticide Methods

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Abandonment and Neglect

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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Practice Questions

Child Abuse and Battered Baby Syndrome

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Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

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Examination of Infant Remains

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Legal Aspects of Infanticide

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Neonaticide vs. Infanticide

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Prevention Strategies

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