Katarina Jovanovic, a Porsche executive, was sentenced to seven and a half years for manslaughter after dropping her newborn out of a window, fearing motherhood would hinder her career. The tragic incident and subsequent trial have ignited a national conversation about the pressures of career and parenthood.
In a harrowing case from Germany, Katarina Jovanovic, 28, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for manslaughter after throwing her newborn daughter out of a window. The incident occurred in Lauffen am Neckar, Baden-Wuerttemberg State, where Jovanovic, concerned that a child would derail her career as an executive at Porsche, concealed her pregnancy. On September 12, she gave birth at home and, shortly after, dropped the baby from her apartment window, resulting in the infant's death. Bystanders found the baby with severe injuries and immediately alerted the authorities.
During the trial at Heilbronn District Court, Jovanovic admitted to the act but could not articulate her reasoning. Prosecutors argued that she saw the baby as an obstacle to her professional ambitions. Although initially charged with murder, the court accepted a plea of manslaughter, citing Jovanovic’s claim that she did not realize she was pregnant and was in a state of psychological distress during the incident.
Public prosecutor Mareike Hafendoerfer emphasized that Jovanovic prioritized her career over the life of her child, fulfilling the criteria for a severe conviction. Defense attorney Malte Hoech contended that the situation was an accident, but the court decided otherwise. Neighbors expressed shock, stating they were unaware of her pregnancy and attributed her recent reclusiveness to work stress.
The case has sparked outrage and widespread discussion, particularly given the availability of safe options for unwanted newborns in Germany. Many criticized Jovanovic for not seeking help or considering adoption.
