Rising Vitamin K Refusals at Birth Put Newborns at Risk for Deadly Bleeding
A ProPublica investigation finds a sharp rise in parents declining the standard newborn vitamin K shot, fueled by misinformation and anti-intervention sentiment. This has coincided with cases of severe vitamin K deficiency bleeding that can cause brain damage or death, despite decades of safety data and official recommendations. Refusal rates have climbed in some hospitals (about 5% in 2024, up 77% since 2017), with several infant deaths linked to the condition. Experts call for better data tracking and ongoing education to counter misinformation and protect newborns.