As a new doula in 2001, I noticed that nearly every midwife and doctor I attended a birth with
had a different understanding and explanation of the law related to, and the reasons for use
of antibiotic eye ointment for newborns. Furthermore, many seemed shocked, expressed
disregard for, or admitted not knowing how to proceed if parents wanted to refuse this
treatment for their newborns. I figured I was new to the scene and should wait and see how
things unfold. As an experienced doula and student midwife in 2006, I continued to hear a
variety of answers to common questions parents asked. As a result, I began to seek answers
for myself that I could share with clients. It took over a year to gather information from the
Washington State Department of Health, Child Protective Services, and leading researchers
from across the United States, and put it all together in a meaningful informed consent paper.
I have written an article based on this work for publication in a national magazine. This article
draws opinion-based conclusions regarding some of the findings noted in this paper. I will
provide a link to that article as soon as I have permission to do so from them.
The paper linked to below is not opinion-based.
Parents: only by understanding the history, purpose, and use of the law and medications
can you make an informed decision about your and your baby's care. I encourage you to
read this paper through and discuss it with your provider and others whose opinions you
value.*
Providers: This paper provides information from many sources to help you decide how you
will practice, what you will include in your informed consent discussion or forms and what
options you have should you have a client or patient refuse this treatment. You are welcome
to print it out to share with your clients or patients.*
To Read the paper "Law and Use of Newborn Eye Prophylaxis in Washington State", please
click here . You are welcome to forward this document or link to other providers or parents.
This document opens as a PDF.
*This information does not replace the informed consent that providers need to give to their
clients or patients. Every provider and parent must decide for themselves what the proper
course of action is for their client, patient, self, or child. Parents should sign a waiver
accepting responsibility for their decision if they choose not to have this treatment for their
child. Every provider and institution must work with their own legal team to develop a waiver
for their practice.
Proper Citation for this paper:
Owen, Jodilyn, Law and Use of Newborn Eye Prophylaxis in Washington State, 2007.
Available online at http://www.seattlebirthnet.com/newborneye.html
Be sure to refresh this page in your browser to check for updates
Last updated 9:00am PST 11/27/07
had a different understanding and explanation of the law related to, and the reasons for use
of antibiotic eye ointment for newborns. Furthermore, many seemed shocked, expressed
disregard for, or admitted not knowing how to proceed if parents wanted to refuse this
treatment for their newborns. I figured I was new to the scene and should wait and see how
things unfold. As an experienced doula and student midwife in 2006, I continued to hear a
variety of answers to common questions parents asked. As a result, I began to seek answers
for myself that I could share with clients. It took over a year to gather information from the
Washington State Department of Health, Child Protective Services, and leading researchers
from across the United States, and put it all together in a meaningful informed consent paper.
I have written an article based on this work for publication in a national magazine. This article
draws opinion-based conclusions regarding some of the findings noted in this paper. I will
provide a link to that article as soon as I have permission to do so from them.
The paper linked to below is not opinion-based.
Parents: only by understanding the history, purpose, and use of the law and medications
can you make an informed decision about your and your baby's care. I encourage you to
read this paper through and discuss it with your provider and others whose opinions you
value.*
Providers: This paper provides information from many sources to help you decide how you
will practice, what you will include in your informed consent discussion or forms and what
options you have should you have a client or patient refuse this treatment. You are welcome
to print it out to share with your clients or patients.*
To Read the paper "Law and Use of Newborn Eye Prophylaxis in Washington State", please
click here . You are welcome to forward this document or link to other providers or parents.
This document opens as a PDF.
*This information does not replace the informed consent that providers need to give to their
clients or patients. Every provider and parent must decide for themselves what the proper
course of action is for their client, patient, self, or child. Parents should sign a waiver
accepting responsibility for their decision if they choose not to have this treatment for their
child. Every provider and institution must work with their own legal team to develop a waiver
for their practice.
Proper Citation for this paper:
Owen, Jodilyn, Law and Use of Newborn Eye Prophylaxis in Washington State, 2007.
Available online at http://www.seattlebirthnet.com/newborneye.html
Be sure to refresh this page in your browser to check for updates
Last updated 9:00am PST 11/27/07
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