Neonatal Bioethical Perspectives: Practice Considerations

Of the approximated 130 million babies born every year worldwide, about 4 million die during the neonatal period.¹ Although a general decline in infant mortality rate was seen throughout the twentieth century, the U.S. rate did not decline significantly from 2000 to 2005, ranking 30th in the world in 2005. This has generated concern among researchers and policymakers.