Abstract: Objective To analyze and summarize the characteristics of the death cases of the abandoned babies in Shanghai, and to explore the main points and features in forensic investigation. Methods Twenty-seven death cases of the abandoned babies were selected from 2007 to 2011 in the Institute of Forensic Science of Shanghai Public Security Bureau. The cases were retrospectively analyzed in the respects of scene of abandonment, cause of death and manner of death, etc. Results Among the death cases of the abandoned babies in Shanghai, most of the infants were alive with young unmarried mothers. The main cause of death was mechanical asphyxia, and homicide occurred more commonly. Conclusion It is significantly difficult to determine the cause and manner of death in such cases, needing to be a comprehensive analysis on the case background, the investigation of scene and the examination of injury, etc.

Key words: forensic pathology, abandoned babies, Shanghai, cases analysis