Legal Definitions - Munchausen syndrome by proxy

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a type of child abuse where a caregiver, usually a parent, makes up or causes a child's medical condition and seeks medical treatment for the child based on the fabricated or induced condition. This is done to get attention from medical professionals and others.

• A mother intentionally poisons her child to make them appear sick and takes them to the hospital for treatment.
• A father injects his child with bacteria to cause an infection and seeks medical treatment for the child.

These examples illustrate how a caregiver can intentionally harm a child to make them appear sick and seek medical attention. This can lead to unnecessary medical procedures and treatments, causing harm to the child.