Ethical controversy about the appropriate care of severely ill newborns is far from new. In recent years very different approaches have been taken to decisions about critical care. In a number of issues related to neonatal medicine, an analysis of ethical concepts and arguments is important. These include: the value of human life; the role of best interests; the deliberate ending of life; and the withholding and withdrawing of treatment.
In 2004, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics convened a Working Party to discuss these issues. Although the members held a range of differing views on questions concerning the nature and sanctity of human life, they were unanimous on the conclusions and recommendations on these matters, which are summarized briefly below (for the full report, and a list of members of the working party, please see www.nuffieldbioethics.org).
? The moment of birth, which is easy to identify and usually represents a ...
