ABSTRACT.In the 4‐year period, 1977–1980, neonatal intensive care was given to all infants with the exception of 22 livebirths who died in the delivery room and 14 who had major congenital malformations. Of the 375 infants weighing 501–1500g at birth who were treated in the neonatal unit, 298 survived the neonatal period, of whom 60 were ≤1000g. A disproportionate amount of time was spent in treating these infants, including a significant percentage on non‐survivors. Treatment for infants ≤1500g and ≤1000g contributed to 57% and 29% respectively of the intensive care workload. Although the cost of providing intensive care for these infants was substantial in terms of time, effort, emotion and money, their improved survival prospects nevertheless indicates that the rights of these infants need to be safeguarded. Neonatal paediatricians have a special responsibility to these infants and secondarily to their families and to the public at large, all of whom are being affected emotionally and financially by decisions made and outcomes achieved in the