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Based primarily on ethnographical literature dealing with New Guinea, this paper argues that any anthropological analysis of infanticide in a given group cannot be undertaken without paying attention to (i) the mental representations people have about personhood and (ii) women’s access to health services and contraceptive methods. In this area of the world, a newborn is considered neither a member of society nor even a human being because he/she has yet to develop the capability to enter into relations and communicate with others. Neonaticide is thus not seen as morally reprehensible, but this does mean it is common or easily accomplished.