The Des Moines Register reports that Heidi Anfinson, who drowned her 2-week-old child in 1998 while allegedly suffering from postpartum psychosis, is now headed back to jail.
Anfinsonhad beengranted a new trial after being imprisoned fornine years of her original sentence of 50 years for second-degree murder. She hadbeen out for jail for about a year.
"The [Iowa] Supreme Court threw out her conviction at a second trial, held in 2000, because her attorney at the time, Bill Kutmus, failed to raise compelling evidence of severe postpartum depression, or psychosis.
Anfinson, and some legal experts nationally, had hoped a new trial would put a spotlight on postpartum psychosis, which has become a more recognized legal defense since her son died."
Her new lawyer had planned to present evidence that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time of the infanticide. Anfinsonwaived her right to that new trial, however, reportedly out of fear that a jury would again find her guilty. Sheplead guilty to child endangerment in a plea deal with the prosecutors.
It is still unclear how long her new prison sentence will be. While the judge sentenced her again to 50 years, the Iowa Parole Board could allow her to be released for time served, according to the Register.
"Judge Rosenberg, who presided over Anfinson's post-conviction case, noted that he had no choice under the plea agreement but to sentence Anfinson to prison.
'Although this is a tragic incident beyond description … the court believes (Anfinson) is no further threat to public safety,' he said. 'We often like to think of things in black and white. But often, it is the gray that is the truth.'
Many of Anfinson's supporters cried as she was ushered out in handcuffs.
Mike Anfinson said he has never stopped loving his wife, or admiring her strength, or thinking she was not to blame for the death of their only child."
I feel so, so bad whenever I hear these sad, sad stories about moms going to jail rather than getting the treatment they need. I truly hope she will not have to spend too much more time in jail (if at all). What is desperately needed in this country is a greater understanding of perinatal mood disorders such as postpartum psychosis, and thus more progress that benefits all many moms suffering unnecessarily from misdiagnoses and lack of proper treatment. We need more public awareness to destigmatize perinatal mood disorders and ensuring mental/medical practitioners are educated in detecting, correctly diagnosing and properly treating these mothers.
I suffered from Postpartum Depression/Postpartum Psychosis in 1985 and was found guilty but mentally ill of 3rd degree murder. I was sentenced 8 to 20 years in prison. I served every day of my sentence. I have been home since 1993. I recently rejoined the Postpartum Support International network. My son was one month old when he died. This coming year will be this 25th birthday. I decided it was time to do something to honor his memory. I am proudly joining all the ladies that my husband worked with years ago to continue to what we can to bring more awareness to this horrific illness. I pray for every baby, every mom, every family this illness has destroyed. It can be treated with the proper help if women would not be afraid to speak up. This is still such a silent killer after all these years. There is support and strength in numbers. That is why we are here. To be a source of hope and faith and love for each other.