Post postpartum depression, psychosis, neurosis, drug dependency, psychopath acquaintances or herself, low IQ, crappy surroundings, unsupportive family/ friends?  Who'll ever accurately ascertain the precise chain of life events leading to **why** this happened?  

Sad story.  Pretending .gov could have made a difference is fantasy.  Pretending harsh punishment is appropriate serves no purpose.  

I certainly won't be judging her...if it makes one feel better, by all means, press on.