True informed consent requires the option of refusal too. Non-biased information is vitally important when parents are being asked to decide on their children’s health care – no choice could be quite as salient of this point than GBS.
 
Excerpt: “Group B Strep stands for Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus. This is a type of bacteria that is usually found in the lower intestines and in the vaginal canal in 10-35% of healthy adults. GBS is not the same is Group A strep which causes strep throat and other diseases. Among pregnant women, 10-35% of women will be colonized and have GBS in their vaginal canal. Most colonized women have no problems from GBS but in some cases the GBS can cause infections that can put an unborn baby at risk. For example, a GBS infection in the urinary tract can increase the risk of a premature birth.
 
Approximately 50% of babies who are exposed to GBS will become colonized with the vast majority having no problems. Of those,1-2 % will develop Early Onset GBS Diseases. Of that group, there is a 5-9% mortality rate. This means, if left untreated, 1 in 17 500 babies will die from Early Onset GBS Disease.
 
Around 80% of GBS cases among newborns occur within the first week of life. This is called early onset disease. Most of these babies are ill within a few hours of birth; most cases can be linked to a mother who is colonized with GBS. Babies who develop early onset disease may have one or more of the following; unstable temperature, breathing problems, grunting, fever, seizures, unusual change in behavior, stiffness and/or extreme limpness.” © 2021 Augustine Colebrook All Rights Reserved
 
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