As the trial of a mother who killed her three children comes to a close this week, Olivia Petter examines why it has inspired support from women around the world and what it reveals about society’s view of motherhood and mental illness

Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of child killings, suicidal ideation, and an attempt to die by suicide.

The 36-year-old Massachusetts mother admitted to killing her children: Cora, 5, Dawson 3, and Callan, 8 months. Where does compassion cross a line?