Special report. Infant kidnapping update: electronic security, officer training, parent alertness help foil abductors in 1996.

A dramatic reduction in infant abductions from healthcare facilities nationwide--82% from 1991-1995--has been reported by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. For 1996, the NCMEC reports four abductions from healthcare facilities, down from 11 in 1991. It credits concentrated educational efforts and unique electronic security being used by hospitals as the major factors in reducing the number of abductions. When infant abductions do occur, however, they attract widespread attention and media coverage, and usually lawsuits. In this report, we'll highlight some of the more recent incidents and present comments from security directors and other hospital officials on steps their institutions have taken in an effort to prevent further occurrences.