Doctors across the nation are alarmed that skepticism fueled by rising anti-science sentiment and medical mistrust is increasingly reaching beyond vaccines to other proven, routine, preventive care for babies.
A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which analyzed more than 5 million births nationwide, found that refusals of vitamin K shots nearly doubled between 2017 and 2024, from 2.9% to 5.2%. Other research suggests that parents who decline vitamin K shots are much more likely to refuse getting their newborns the hepatitis B vaccine and an eye ointment to prevent potentially blinding infections. Rates for that vaccination at birth dropped in recent years, and doctors confirm that more parents are refusing the eye medication.
“I do think these families care deeply about their infants,” said Dr. Kelly Wade, a Philadelphia neonatologist. “But I hear from families that it’s hard to make decisions right now because they’re hearing conflicting information.”
The very tired cynic in me is simply saying, “fine, it will cull the moron genes from the pool”.
If I take a moment to actually connect with my basic humanity… I’m horrified.
They propagate far faster than the diseases can take them. While they refuse preventative measures, most wouldn’t hesitate to get treated once an infection gets serious so their stupidity lives on.
I’ve already given up and started embracing misanthropy. Its the only way I haven’t thrown myself off a cliff at this point.
It is unfair that babies and children have to suffer the consequences of their moronic parents. However, those morons should understand that doctors and nurses are mandated reporters and a call to CPS will get someone a-knocking on their door for medical neglect.
The issue with this is that most people will be ok, or at least alive but injured.
It actually had the opposite effect. Most people won’t die, so then they get confirmation bias and will then start spreading the misinformation themselves saying “I didn’t take the medicine and I’m fine!” Or even use their kids as proof for other parents.
It’s a snowball effect.