Mother to Face Jury Trial for Infant Daughter's Death After Cocaine Use

A 30-year-old mother in Ouroeste, São Paulo, Brazil, will face a popular jury trial for causing the death of her 45-day-old infant daughter. The incident occurred after the mother consumed cocaine and subsequently breastfed the baby. The Judicial Chamber of the Ouroeste District issued the sentence on Monday, February 27th. The Public Prosecutor's Office had initially charged the mother in February of this year with femicide against a victim under 14 years old. Prosecutor Eduardo Boiati cited aggravating factors such as insidious means, futile motive, and a method that prevented the child's defense. According to the prosecutor, the infant experienced breathing difficulties and sudden death. Although the baby was taken to a regional hospital, she did not survive. An autopsy report confirmed the cause of death as 'exogenous intoxication by a chemical agent derived from cocaine.' Investigations revealed that the mother ingested cocaine and then breastfed her daughter, thereby assuming the risk of causing her death. Forensic examinations detected the primary metabolite of cocaine (benzoylecgonine) in the newborn's blood, along with a pharmacological substance known to be transmissible through breast milk.