Abstract

KIE: This first of three articles on federal regulation involving the treatment of handicapped newborns focuses on the two versions of Department of Health and Human Services rules issued in March and July 1983 and known as the "Baby Doe" regulations. Annas reviews events leading up to the first set of rules; the resulting suit by the American Academy of Pediatrics and others; the differences between the original and reissued regulations; and the recommendation that hospitals establish Infant Care Review Committees. He concludes that the regulations have not adequately dealt with the controversial issue of government intervention in difficult treatment decisions.