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Hospital Abductions
In 1993, two-week-old Alexandria Johnson was abducted from a California hospital. A female person, masquerading as a hospital employee, walked into Adele Johnson's room, told her that she was taking the child to be photographed and weighed, and then left with Alexandria. An hour later, when Adele became concerned, the abductor and little Alexandria were long gone.
Whilst infant abductions from hospitals are rare, the incidence of infant abductions in the United States, by non-family members, ranges between 12 and 18 per year. Of
these, 94% are located within a few days. However, to put this into the correct context, there are approximately 4.25 million births yearly in the United States at more than 3500 birthing facilities.
The typical hospital abduction involves an abductor impersonating a nurse, hospital employee, or relative to gain access to the infant. The offender is almost always a female, frequently overweight, ranges in age from 15 to 50, and generally has no prior criminal record. Many
of these women are gainfully employed. Whilst appearing ³normal², this type of offender is most likely compulsive, suffers from low self-esteem, often fakes one or more pregnancies, and relies on manipulation in her interpersonal relationships. Sometimes she wishes either to
replace an infant she has lost, or to experience a vicarious birthing of a child she is for some reason unable to carry to term. The infant may be used in an attempt to save a relationship with her partner. The abductor may be involved in a fertility programme at or near the
hospital from which she abducts an infant. The race of the abductor almost always corresponds with the infants or reflects that of the abductorıs partner. Although the abduction may be precipitated by impulse and opportunity, the abductor has usually planned the event.
In addition, prior to the abduction, the offender will often exhibit nesting instincts by announcing her pregnancy and by purchasing items for an infant in the same way an expectant mother prepares for the birth of a child. The positive attention she receives from family and
friends validates her actions. Unfortunately, this nesting activity feeds the need for the woman to ³produce² a baby at the expected time of arrival. Many of these abductors have a significant other at the time of the abduction, and a high percentage of them have already given
birth to at least one child. Most offenders reside a relatively short distance from where the abductions occurs. It is extremely rare for an infant abducted under these circumstances to have suffered any physical harm. The mental or emotional strain on the infant is often a point of contention.
To reiterate, this type of abduction is extremely rare. The purpose of this article is not to alarm, but to educate, for as Adele Johnson said after the safe return of baby Alexandria, "If only I knew, I could have been prepared."
The following is a list of suggestions for mothers with newborns:
- Ensure that your child is always wearing a name tag
- Ensure that both parents wear a designated wrist tag that corresponds with that of the child
- Never provide access of your child to a person not wearing proper identification (if you are uncertain, have their ID verified)
- Check with hospital policy on infant safety and security
- Donıt allow someone access to your child without your permission
- Trust your intuition
Copyright İ Jeff Lancaster. Jeff is an authority on predatory criminals, violence prediction and prevention, and threat management. He is the author of "Smart Parents/Safe Kids: Protecting Children from Predators." He resides in California with his wife Cristi, who is expecting their first child. Reprinted with permission.
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