Concealment of Birth (Scotland) Act 1809 (c. 14)

Concealment of Birth (Scotland) Act 1809 1809 CHAPTER 14 49 Geo 3 An Act for repealing an Act of the Parliament of Scotland relative to Child Murder, and for making other Provisions in lieu thereof. [20th March 1809] Whereas by an Act of the Parliament of Scotland passed in the M1 second session of the first Parliament of King William and Queen Mary, intituled “Act anent murthering of children,” it is enacted that if any woman shall conceal her being with child during the whole space and shall not call for and make use of help and assistance in the birth, the child being found dead or amissing, the mother shall be holden and reputed the murtherer of her own child: and whereas the punishment of death has been found too rigorous for such an offence, but nevertheless it is expedient that it should be repressed and punished suitable to its quality and degree: