The changing nature of neonatal ethics in practice

This article overviews the current practice of neonatal care ethics. Tracing the evolving nature of neonatal care over the last few decades, the author reviews Rhoden's categories of approaches to neonatal care and raises questions about the nature of responsibility in neonatal decision making. The role of the parent or guardian and the importance of communication is explored. Current neonatal outcome studies are reviewed in considering what "best interests" means for the newborn. The article concludes by reviewing several issues raised by current court cases that may point to the future of ethical decision making in neonatal care.