A young woman who allegedly abandoned her newborn twins in a bathroom trash bin has been charged with manslaughter and infanticide. 

The charges were confirmed by Police Commissioner, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo, in an interview with the Samoa Observer.

The young woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, is scheduled to appear in court on 24 March. 

In the meantime, she has been granted bail and is required to report to the police station every Wednesday and Friday as part of her conditions.

According to the ongoing police investigation, the woman concealed her pregnancy from her family. She reportedly gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, in the bathroom of her home. 

After the birth, she allegedly abandoned the infants in the bathroom trash bin. The tragic events came to light when the woman fell seriously ill and was taken to the hospital by her family.

During her visit to the hospital, doctors informed her family that she had recently given birth, prompting them to return home. Upon their arrival, they discovered that the twins had died.

The case has shocked the community, sparking a wide range of reactions. 

According to the Crimes Ordinance Act, infanticide carries a maximum penalty of three (3) years imprisonment, much less than the penalty for murder and manslaughter which is life imprisonment.