Is Mandatory Neonatal Eye Prophylaxis Ethically Justified? A Case Study from Canada

This article examines whether a policy of mandatory neonatal eye prophylaxis is ethically justified within the Canadian context. An existing framework for public health ethics is used to examine criteria that would justify state intervention in parental decision-making authority in order to protect public health. The benefits, harms, and utility of mandatory neonatal eye prophylaxis are described. Established criteria for the infringement of …