Background

In 2015, 45%(2.7 million) of all deaths in children aged under five years occurred during the neonatal period. 1 Of these 2.7 million deaths, one million occurred on the baby's day of birth and approximately two million occurred within the first week of life. 1 In Australia, from 2004 to 2013, 8348 infants died, with an average of 927 deaths per year. 2 The neonatal period represents the first 28 days of life and is the most vulnerable period for newborn survival. 1, 2 Although the primary goal of health professionals is the preservation of life, for neonates born with a life-limiting condition, it is also essential to be able to acknowledge, with the consent of the parents and family, when end-of-life or palliative care should be commenced to manage distressing symptoms and enhance quality of life for these neonates. 3, 4 In addition, palliative care can be provided as an alternative to termination of pregnancy when an unborn baby is diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. 5