Regular readers of Postpartum Progress know that I do cover instances of infanticide due to postpartum psychosis here when they occur. I imagine some would rather I didn't mention it. To be honest, I almost would rather I didn't mention it. I HATE writing about that stuff. But, it happens, and this blog doesn't sugarcoat.

Thankfully, tragedies happen very, very rarely. When they do happen, they make my blood boil because they are so unnecessary and most often preventable. And my blood's temperature shoots way past 212 degrees fahrenheit when I see the meanness and vitriol spit out by people who comment on these tragedies, who have no understanding of psychosis and no belief that someonemight actually not be in control of their actions. Nine timesout of ten the stuff that I read is completely ignorant and saddens me.That is why it was such a lovely surprise to read thison the Huffington Post.

Jacob Appel is a bioethicist(try typing that ten times fast!) who has taught at Brown University and writes for manyhighly-regarded publications.His piece onthe penalty for infanticide was enlightened and informed. Here's a tidbit:

"Britain's approach is representative of our closest international allies. Canada recognizes infanticide as a distinct, lesser offense than homicide; offenders face a maximum of five years in prison. Twenty-seven other nations recognize the unique nature of maternal infanticide as a crime distinct from murder, a diverse group of nations that includes Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, Sweden, the Philippines and Turkey. In making no legal distinction between troubled mothers who suffocate their children and professional assassins, the United States now stands as a glaring outlier among the enlightened democracies."

Thanks Mr. Appel.