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Do you think it is right to stunt your childs growth on purpose?

murkglider - 2007-01-06 10:25:17 - Other - News Events

I read an article yesterday in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat and it is really bothering me. The parents of a severly disabled child had her growth stunted medicaly so she would be easier to take care of at home. Stunted, she will stay the same size as a small 9 year old for her life so her parents can fit her on a pillow and deal with her easier. I understand that some parent/s can not lift a larger 5 foot 6 inch disabled child/young adult out of bed, so keeping them smaller makes it easier, but is it moraly right? I believe it is not. What say you? ~~>Brainy. I think institutions are horrid and never even suggested that option. I truely believe people get better care at home. However, altering a childs body because it fits in better with the parents lifestyle is ... too wrong, for lack of a better word. I also do not doubt her parents love her dearly and are trying to do the right thing.

Best Answer:

I read that article, and I agree that it is not right. I think the parents are incredibly selfish. The child does not have much potential mentally, and they to go and rob her only other growth potential. If they want things easier, maybe they should have just put her to sleep, forever - and to be quite honest, it is probably better for everyone. WHY KEEP SOMEONE LIKE THAT ALIVE?

Answers:

I don't know all the details of this situation but I wouldn't think it's right to do that. I suppose they're trying to deal with this as best they can but I'm sure there are better alternatives.

SINCE I'M NOT THE ONE WITH A SICK CHILD, I HAVE NO RIGHT TO MAKE A MORAL DECISION FOR THEM

a lot of people dont take into account that it is THEIR CHILD not the governments. the fact that they are keeping their child the size of a 9 year old is because when they are older they wont be able to deal with her. when they are 60 or 70 years old and still haveing to care for her its just not going to be physically possible for an older person of that age

I read that article, and I agree that it is not right. I think the parents are incredibly selfish. The child does not have much potential mentally, and they to go and rob her only other growth potential. If they want things easier, maybe they should have just put her to sleep, forever - and to be quite honest, it is probably better for everyone. WHY KEEP SOMEONE LIKE THAT ALIVE?

No that's horrible. Take it from a short person. When she gets older, its bad enough if she is disabled in someway but she also will have to deal with height and the fact that her PARENTS caused her to be that way, not genetics. And keeping, her the size of a pillow!? That's horrible!

On the surface, it may seem cold hearted but would it be better to put her in a facility for her life? She is in a hopeless vegitative state, so my feelings are , I'm thankful that I don't have to make that decision. Those oppossed to the action, should start a trust fund to pay for the "Caregivers" that would be otherwise required. The parents are being logical, in my mind. They obviously love her and want to care for her. Why should it even be a morals issue. Would letting her waste away in a facility be a more "moral" solution. Or be able to keep her at home with physical and emotional support not be a better choice. Let the parents, with her doctor make these decisions and leave the judging up to God.

Everything about that situation is bad. I feel sorry for the parents but just the same,a medical procedure to stunt their daughter's growth? It just doesn't sound right,like surgical mutilation. I also wonder about the ethical standards of the doctors involved in the operation.

In this case, yes, she will always have the brain of a 3month old. Her body will mature, be confusing, painful for her, much kinder, all round. She will not suffer, we need to think humane., rough. Support the Family, umm, please.

I have a severely handicapped girl and I think its appalling for them to do that.

I'm very glad I don't have to make that decision, but in this case I can see the parents side. Its their child and they are the ones that are going to be taking care of her for the rest of their lives and its easier to move a smaller person than a larger one.