1. Children : an endangered species throughout history -- 2. Neonaticide in theory and in history : who are the perpetrators? -- 3. Motives for abuse -- 4. Neonaticide and its alternatives -- 5. Neonaticide and the law -- 6. In transition : from one form of child abuse to another -- 7. Postpartum depression disorders -- 8. Infanticide, filicide, and other abuses -- 9. The law and crimes against children -- 10. Choice and reproduction arguments -- 11. Child abuse : preventive measures -- 12. Concluding thoughts and recommendations.