Relationship Between Vitamin K Refusal and Refusal of Other Newborn Interventions

Infants are born with low levels of vitamin K, placing them at risk for vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). To prevent this, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends intramuscular (IM) vitamin K for all newborns. However, parental refusal of this and other standard newborn interventions is increasing. While vitamin K refusal has been studied individually, this review explores its association with broader refusals of newborn medical care. A literature search using keywords including newborn, parental refusal, vaccine hesitancy, and vitamin K refusal was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases, covering publications from 2000 to 2025. Fifteen studies were included that examined IM vitamin K refusal and its relationship to other intervention refusals at birth. Findings reveal that parents who refuse vitamin K are significantly more likely to decline other preventative interventions such as hepatitis B vaccine and erythromycin eye ointment. These refusals increase the risk of preventable conditions, including hepatitis B transmission, neonatal conjunctivitis, and VKDB. Trends are more prominent among non-Hispanic white families and those giving birth outside of hospital settings. Often-mentioned reasons for refusal include misinformation, distrust in the medical system, and a preference for “natural” approaches. Continued increases in newborn intervention refusal may contribute to lower vaccination rates and greater public health burdens. This review draws a strong association between refusal of IM vitamin K and refusal of other newborn interventions, emphasizing a need for targeted education and trust-building between families and healthcare providers.