How Common is Fetal Abduction?

Fetal abduction, a crime where a pregnant woman is attacked and her fetus is removed, is exceptionally rare, with fewer than 100 cases documented globally since the 1980s. Netflix's new documentary, 'Maternal Instinct,' examines this disturbing phenomenon, highlighting the case of Evelyn Hernandez, who was convicted in 2015 for the 2011 murder of Laci Peterson and the abduction of her unborn child. The documentary also features the 1995 case of Michelle Baugh, who was abducted and murdered in an attempt to steal her fetus. These cases, while sensational, represent a tiny fraction of homicides and are distinct from other crimes involving children. Law enforcement agencies and medical professionals emphasize that fetal abduction is not a widespread threat, with most cases being isolated incidents driven by severe psychological distress in the perpetrator.