A quick review of infant abduction statistics from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), International Association of Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) and the FBI definitively shows that the successful kidnapping of an infant from a hospital is very rare.  However, does a “rare” occurrence negate the urgency of infant protection?

For instance, it is rare that terrorists actually attack on U.S. soil.  But, the events of September 11 highlight the negative consequences of a failure to develop working preventative measures.  While it is a stretch to compare the consequences of an infant kidnapping with the terrorist attack on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, there are many similar consequences and lessons to learn. 

      1. An infant kidnapping is devastating to the hospital, all staff involved with the care of the mother and child, the community, and the extended families of the parents.

      2. Any hospital that “loses” an infant will likely face strong financial consequences from a possible combination of a loss of income due to decreased patient demand, lawsuits and other legal fees, increased insurance costs, and fewer or smaller donations.

      3. An infant kidnapping might be considered a sentinel event worthy of a surprise JCAHO inspection.

After the events of September 11, much discussion has been held regarding the failure of the security systems and what could have been done to prevent the attack.  Similarly, after an abduction healthcare facilities review the incident and realize (too late) that the problem might have been prevented by taking simple, common sense precautions.  In the following months we will address these common sense precautions and attempt to outline some preventative tips.

In the meantime, review the latest statistics from the NCMEC and appreciate the fact that your hospital does not have to explain to a family how “it” happened. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact me directly at jimcrumbley@C5Services.com or call 678.517.8806.

The following list includes all USA cases documented by NCMEC, IAHSS and FBI-NCAVC concerning the Abductions by Non-Family Members from healthcare facilities, homes, and "other places" of Newborns/­Infants (birth to 6 months).  Definition: Non-Family members = not parents nor legal guardians.  Comparison data:  approximately 4.2 million births in USA yearly at more than 3,500 birthing facilities.

                                                                                                                   2001

TOTAL - Abductions of Infants from 1983-2000:    213                                     12
                                    TOTAL - Still Missing:          11  

                                                                1983-2001:       Case Status:

 Abductions/ HEALTHCARE FACILITIES:  111                  Located = 106            2
                                                                                       Missing =   5              -

       From Mother's room:     62  (55%)                                                                2
       From Nursery:              16  (15%)                                                                 -
       From Pediatrics:           17  (15%)                                                                 -
       From "On premises":     16  (15%)                                                                -

       With violence to Mother:  6 ( 6%)
       (all "On premises")

 Abductions/HOMES:                                   78      Located = 73             7
                                                                                       Missing =  5              -