In the United States, no federal laws currently govern neonatal resuscitation, but local laws may apply. The law differs from region to region, and it is best to consult the institutions’ lawyers or ethics board to aid in the decision-making process.

When the attending physician and the parents have agreed that further life-sustaining efforts and resuscitative interventions are adding more burden to the newborn, it is ethically sound to withdraw life-support or withhold resuscitation.