PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Postpartum Support International, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to perinatal mental health, believes the decision to try Lindsay Clancy for first-degree murder demands that we, as a society, confront an uncomfortable truth. The United States continues to prosecute mothers for the consequences of a severe, poorly understood, temporary and treatable mental health condition related to childbirth. A truth that our medical and legal systems have failed to recognize.
We are disappointed but not surprised that the 12-member jury were unable to reach a verdict in the trial of Lindsay Clancy. Around the world, legal systems have grappled with the complex relationship between childbirth, serious mental illness and filicide. More than two dozen countries, including England, Canada, and Australia, have infanticide laws that provide a distinct legal framework recognizing that a mother’s mental state within the first 12 months may be considered when determining criminal responsibility. These laws direct these mothers toward psychiatric care rather than prison (Spinelli, American Journal of Psychiatry, 2004; Feingold and Lewis, Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 2025). Postpartum psychosis carries a documented risk of infanticide of roughly 1 to 4 percent of women with postpartum psychosis, when it goes unrecognized and untreated (Alford et al., Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 2025).
About Postpartum Support International
Founded by a new mother in 1987 to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional difficulties parents can experience during and after pregnancy, Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers a wealth of resources for a wide range of needs, situations, and audiences to give families the strongest and healthiest start possible through support and community. PSI offers support, resources, best-practice training, and certification for healthcare professionals and volunteer coordinators nationwide and in more than 30 countries. PSI is committed to eliminating stigma and ensuring that compassionate, high-quality care and support are available to all families. Need help? Call or text 1-800-944-4PPD (4773), visit Postpartum.net, or download the Connect by PSI app. For prescribing providers in the U.S., PSI operates a free perinatal psychiatric consultation program, at consultation@postpartum.net, staffed by PSI perinatal psychiatric experts who are specialists in the treatment of perinatal mental health disorders.
Contact: Kim Lehman, 717-599-0891
kalehmanpr@gmail.com
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SOURCE Postpartum Support International
