Editorial: Bioethics in neonatology

Abstract

This editorial introduces the topic Bioethics in Neonatology that includes five valuable articles that address the ethical complexity of certain situations that occur during neonatal care. Special reference is made to those moments where the beginning and end of life converge, and decisions regarding the appropriateness of therapeutic effort (ATE) are made. Specifically, extreme prematurity in the limit of viability is mentioned. The survival rate among children born at this limit has increased in recent decades; however, the absence of long-term sequelae has not increased in parallel. The commitment to the future life expectancy and quality of life of these children is at the core of ethical decision-making. Each of the articles has been written by different authors who diverge in their geographical context, coming from multiple cultural backgrounds. This undoubtedly enriches the topic, providing such delicate issues with a diverse socio-cultural perspective, although sometimes complementary.