As Parents Reject Vitamin K Shots, Some Babies Develop Devastating Bleeding By Maggie Astor— NYT 7/9/2026

COMMENT Once again a serious philosophical problem from Plato's REPUBLIC raises its head—that is, the state’s responsibility for the welfare of children. The same species of reasoning that justifies drivers licenses, marriage licenses, medical licenses, etc., basically state licenses that function to protect people’s well-being both collectively and individually should cover the protection of children from the consequences of stupid actions taken by their parents that could endanger them. The requirement for vitamin K shots should be required by the state. When it comes to medicine there should be no problem with state supervision checking parental control. In fact having a baby that will be able to grow and prosper is a state concern and responsibility. The state should require a license to have a baby because no baby should be thrown into the world with unfit parents. The day the state won't be needed to ensure the welfare of all children will be the day it withers away. Necessity for having a license to be a parent and the setting up of a system to oversee this basic human right is a technological problem not a philosophical or moral one.