# Why more male than female newborns may get the crucial vitamin K shot

- Link: https://www.widthness.com/why-more-male-than-female-newborns-may-get-the-crucial-vitamin-k-shot/
- Published: 2026-06-22T09:15:00-05:00
- Author: Curated by John Wysocki

Photo credit: engin akyurt via Unsplash. Article by Aimee Cunningham. ScieneNews – June 15, 2026. The vitamin shot, given at birth, reduces the risk of dangerous bleeding Female newborns may be missing out on potentially lifesaving vitamin K shots more often than male newborns, according to a study of a Philadelphia health system. Among babies born at three hospitals affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, female newborns were less likely to receive vitamin K than male newborns, researchers report June 15 in JAMA Network Open. The apparent reason: Parents cannot get male babies circumcised at the hospitals if they refuse the vitamin K shot, which helps prevent bleeding. […] Click here to view original web page at www.sciencenews.org Related articles: Parents more likely to decline vitamin K, hepatitis B vaccine doses for newborn girls than boys, data suggest – Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy Moms Podcast Takeover: A Pro-Science Parents Guide to Instagram, Pt. 1 – American Council on Science and Health. Alabama pediatrician says parents are refusing shot that prevents serious bleeding disorder – WBRC A Popular Doctor Had Long Warned That Vitamin K Shots Are Risky for Newborns. Now He’s Changed His Tune. – ProPublica Western Pa. families declining vitamin K shots, other preventive care for newborns – TribLive Curated by John Wysocki Chief Technical Officer See Full Bio