This article reports the first results of a survey, by mail questionnaire, of the attitudes and practices of paediatricians with respect to the nontreatment of newborn infants with severe defects. Questionnaires were sent to 500 paediatricians in senior positions throughout the United Kingdom. 263 questionnaires (52.6%) were completed and returned. The survey was an attempt to identify areas of consensus amongst paediatric specialists, and to discover some of the factors which influence their practice. A preliminary analysis of the data has revealed variations in attitudes and practices in some areas, and a broad consensus in others. The following report is not an endorsement of any particular point of view.