Infant abductions are defined as the taking of an infant aged birth through 6 months. Although it is not an epidemic problem, the number of cases rose substantially between 1983 and 1992, with 119 cases of infant abduction reported to authorities during this time. Prior to 1983, only seven cases were reported to authorities. This study examined demographic data on 199 reported infant abductions, 14 interviews conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) with infant abductors, and also examined partial interview data with an additional 48 abductors who completed parts of the FBI interview. Additionally, interviews with 38 family member victims were reviewed, as was data on 72 criminal court case outcomes that were obtained via telephone interviews and the LEXIS/NEXIS news and information service. The research focused on the age of the victim and the motivation for the abduction. However, the authors assert that motivation cannot be ascertained with certainty in every case, calling for caution in the interpretation of results. Case studies are used throughout the report to illustrate main points. Chapter 1 presents the patterns of infant abductions, including where infants are abducted from and the means used to abduct them. Chapter 2 discusses the recovery efforts put forth in such cases, noting that media attention is one of the most important steps to facilitating recovery. Chapter 3 examines infant abductions from hospitals and the hospital and nursing staff response. Chapter 4 turns to a discussion of the parental response to the news of an infant abduction. The parental phases of response are explored, including the initial trauma, fear and anxiety, and recovery and re-bonding. Posttraumatic stress after infant recovery is also discussed. Chapter 5 recounts the phases of an infant abduction: setting the stage and feigning pregnancy, planning the abduction, the abduction act itself, and post abduction. Finally, chapter 6 examines the infant abductors and their defining characteristics. Investigative considerations for such cases are offered, as well as crime scene indicators and search warrant suggestions. The report concludes with an examination of abduction cases that highlight the law enforcement response.