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Fetal Abduction

Fetal Abduction

Introduction

Fetal abduction, also known as infant abduction, is the act of taking a child from its mother’s womb, often through violent means. This heinous act is rare but can have devastating effects on the victims and their families. In this article, we will discuss fetal abduction, its incidence, and potential signs, and what to do if you suspect it.

Incidence of Fetal Abduction

Fetal abduction is a rare but serious crime that has occurred in the United States and other countries. According to a study by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, there were 11 cases of fetal abductions between 1983 and 2015. However, experts suspect that the number of cases is likely higher, as many may go unreported or misclassified.

Signs of Fetal Abduction

Fetal abduction can be difficult to detect, as it often involves a stranger who has access to the mother and the ability to convince her to trust them. However, there are some potential signs that family, friends, and healthcare providers should be aware of:

– The perpetrator may falsely claim to be pregnant.
– The perpetrator may show an unusual interest in the victim’s pregnancy and ask invasive questions.
– The perpetrator may have a history of mental illness or a pattern of deceitfulness.
– The victim may be missing or found deceased, with the child missing from the womb.
– The perpetrator may have a new infant or falsely claim to have recently given birth.

What to Do If You Suspect Fetal Abduction

If you suspect that fetal abduction has occurred, it is important to act quickly to contact law enforcement and alert healthcare providers. Time is of the essence in these cases, as the safety of the mother and baby is at risk. In addition, it is important to provide law enforcement with any relevant information or evidence that may assist in their investigation.

Treatment and Recovery

The emotional and physical trauma of fetal abduction can be significant and long-lasting for both the mother and baby. Mothers may require medical or psychological treatment to manage their physical and emotional symptoms, while babies may require medical attention to address any injuries sustained during the abduction. Additionally, families may require support services such as counseling or victim advocacy to help them navigate the difficult recovery process.

Conclusion

Fetal abduction is a serious crime that can have devastating effects on victims and their families. While it is rare, it is important to be aware of potential signs and take action if you suspect it has occurred. If you or someone you know has been a victim of fetal abduction, it is important to seek out medical and legal support as soon as possible. With the right resources and treatment, recovery is possible.


What is Fetal Abduction?

Fetal abduction occurs when a pregnant mother is forced to undergo a cesarean.  The abductor will then kidnap the fetus, and the mother is usually murdered or killed during the cesarean.  The type of abduction is somewhat of a phenomenon, for recorded cases have only occurred since the 1980s.

Psychology of the Abductor

A fetal abduction is much rarer than an infant abduction, but the abductor usually has the same frame of mind and thoughts before the abduction.  The abductor is usually a woman, and she will usually have fantasies of becoming pregnant or being a mother.  In some cases, the abductor will fake a pregnancy and abduct the fetus when it would appear the abductor is ready to have a child.

The Most Recent Case of Fetal Abduction

Warning: the details of the following crimes are graphic and may offend some readers.  On September 20, 2012, Annette Morales-Rodriguez was convicted of first-degree homicide after she killed a woman and her unborn child.  The woman was Maritza Ramirez-Cruz, and she died as a result of asphyxiation, head trauma, and blood loss along with the involuntary caesarean performed Morales.

A witness stated that Morales lured the victim to her house and attacked her with a baseball bat.  Ramirez was then bound with duct tape, and the tape covered her nose and mouth as well.  Morales proceeded to place a plastic bag over Ramirez and then cut the unborn fetus from the womb.  Morales will spend the rest of her life in prison.

Other Cases of Fetal Abduction

Recorded fetal abductions have occurred in the United States since 1987.  Some of the cases are described below:

1987, Albuquerque, New Mexico

The first recorded fetal abduction occurred in Albuquerque when Darci Pierce murdered Cindy Ray and stole her unborn child.  Cindy Ray was attacked after she left the Kirkland Air Force Base in New Mexico, and Peirce strangled her.  She then used a car key to remove the unborn child, who survived and is still living.

1996, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Felicia Scott and Carenthia Curry were friends before the crime occurred.  Scott cut open Curry to steal her child, shot Curry in the head, and placed her body in a plastic bag.  The family eventually reported Curry as missing, and authorities found Curry’s body three months later.  The baby survived the abduction.

2006, St. Louis, Illinois

Tiffany Hall killed Jimella Tunstall and cut the unborn fetus out of her womb.  She then proceeded to drown three of the pregnant woman’s children and left the drowned children in a washing machine and dryer.  It was another case where the defendant knew the victim.  Sadly, the baby did not survive the attack.

2008, Kennewick, Washington

In this case, Phiengchai Sisouvanh Synhavong killed Araceli Camacho Gomez by stabbing her in the chest numerous times.  Gomez’s feet and hands were found with yarn, and Synhavong cut the fetus out of the womb.  Bloody gloves, a box cutter, and other bloody items were found in Synhavong’s purse, and the child miraculously survived.