(Formerly Sec. 19-92). Prevention of blindness in newborn infants

(a) Any inflammation, swelling or unusual redness in the eyes of any infant, either apart from or with any unnatural discharge from the eyes of such infant, occurring at any time within two weeks after the birth of such infant, shall, for the purposes of this section, be designated as “inflammation of the eyes of the newborn”. The person in attendance at the birth of any infant shall instill into the eyes of such infant, immediately after birth, a prophylactic preparation approved by the Department of Public Health for the purpose of preventing inflammation of the eyes of newborns. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined not less than ten dollars nor more than fifty dollars. (b) The prophylactic treatment required by subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to any infant whose parents object to the treatment as being in conflict with their religious tenets and practice. Any person who objects to such treatment shall indemnify attending medical personnel for expenses incurred in connection with any civil action based on lack of such treatment. For purposes of this subsection, “expenses” includes, but is not limited to, judgments, settlements, attorneys' fees and court costs.