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Children with Down Syndrome often display distinct facial features, setting them apart from others. These features include slanted eyes, flattened nasal bridges, and open mouths with protruding tongues. The idea of using plastic surgery to reshape these characteristics surfaced as early as the 1970s. We will delve into the complex debate surrounding parents' decisions to subject their children with Down Syndrome to plastic surgery in an attempt to make them appear more conventional.
To commence, interventions altering a child's body involve procedures that are both irreversible and potentially hazardous.
Current laws governing such decisions fail to differentiate between therapeutic and cosmetic interventions (Ameen & Boby, 2013). While competent adults possess the right to decide on their medical treatments, children, including those with Down Syndrome, lack such autonomy. Ethical discussions surrounding this issue question whether parents should have the authority to make irreversible decisions on behalf of their children.
In the U.S.A, parents are legally empowered to decide on various body-shaping procedures for their children, including plastic surgery.
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“ She followed all my directions. It was really easy to contact her and respond very fast as well. ”
However, this raises legitimate concerns about the physical and psychological risks associated with such interventions (Ouellette, 2010). Plastic surgery, once reserved for severe deformities and trauma, is now accessible to people of all ages and economic backgrounds. Despite its widespread availability, it's better to restrict plastic surgery to adults, considering the potential harm it can inflict on children, particularly those with Down Syndrome.
Moreover, the term "conventional" in the context of Down Syndrome is subjective, as these children often share resemblances with other family members.
Labelling them as unconventional is a societal construct imposed by parents seeking a less embarrassing appearance for their children (Ameen & Boby, 2013). We need to embrace diversity and refrain from categorizing individuals based on appearances.
Parents who opt for cosmetic surgery argue that it stems from unconditional love. However, subjecting children to painful procedures to fit societal norms raises ethical questions about the true motives behind such decisions (Ameen & Boby, 2013). I do question the effectiveness of plastic surgery in mitigating embarrassment and humiliation, as it inadvertently sends a message of shame to the child.
Considering the physical risks associated with plastic surgery, it is imperative to delve deeper into the potential harm these procedures can inflict on children, especially those with Down Syndrome. The invasive nature of plastic surgery, involving cutting, piercing, and sometimes removal of organs or tissues, poses serious health risks. These risks include but are not limited to cancer, nerve damage, hypertension, diabetes, and in extreme cases, even death (Ouellette, 2010). Such procedures, often irreversible, constitute a form of child abuse and demand a critical examination of the ethical implications.
On the legal front, while the U.S. constitution and common law grant competent adults the authority to decide on their medical treatments, the scenario is different for children. Ethicists argue that teenagers and young children should have a say in their medical procedures, but the law vests decision-making power in their guardians and parents with limited restrictions. This creates a dilemma where parents, despite potential risks, are legally free to make decisions regarding plastic surgery for their children, including those with Down Syndrome.
Plastic surgery, once considered a remedy for birth deformities and trauma, has transformed into an optional cosmetic procedure accessible to individuals of all ages and economic backgrounds (Ouellette, 2010). However, such procedures should be reserved exclusively for adults. The rationale behind this perspective lies in the belief that shaping decisions, even for therapeutic purposes, should be deferred until individuals reach adulthood. A teenage girl seeking breast implants for self-esteem or a teenage boy opting for plastic surgery to address acne scars may not possess the maturity to make such life-altering decisions.
Furthermore, delving into the concept of "conventional," it becomes evident that this term is subjective within the realm of Down Syndrome. Children with Down Syndrome often mirror other family members, making the notion of unconventional appearances irrelevant. We need to adorn such labels and embrace a perspective that views individuals with Down Syndrome as unique and valuable members of society.
Parents who choose cosmetic surgery for their children often argue that it is an expression of unconditional love. However, the paradoxical nature of subjecting children to pain and suffering in an attempt to conform to societal expectations is evident. The motives behind these decisions come under scrutiny, questioning whether the desire to mitigate embarrassment and humiliation inadvertently sends a message of shame to the child.
It is essential to ponder how children with learning disabilities perceive their parents' willingness to spend exorbitantly to alter their appearance due to embarrassment and shame (Ameen & Boby, 2013). Additionally, the potential social consequences of such decisions, such as teasing at school for being "unconventional" while peers remain unaware of the child's Down Syndrome, raise ethical concerns. Parents of children with Down Syndrome should reconsider subjecting their children to plastic surgery, allowing them to reach an age where they can make personal decisions about their bodies.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding plastic surgery for children with Down Syndrome is a multifaceted issue encompassing legal, ethical, and societal dimensions. The irreversible nature of these procedures, coupled with potential physical and psychological risks, calls for a cautious and considered approach. Embracing diversity and refraining from societal pressures to conform to conventional standards is crucial for fostering an inclusive society. Children with Down Syndrome deserve the opportunity to make personal decisions about their bodies when they reach an appropriate age. Plastic surgery should be approached with caution, ensuring the well-being and autonomy of the child. It is imperative to reevaluate societal norms and redefine beauty beyond conventional standards, embracing uniqueness and diversity.
Exploring Down Syndrome and Plastic Surgery. (2015, Oct 14). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/children-with-down-syndrome-plastic-surgery-essay
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