Do you think this is right??

Question

To make a child young and short forever even if she is brain damaged?
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1576833,00.html

Answer 1

I read that news story too, and I wasn't quite sure how to react because the parents did provide some logical reasons for their decision. I do think it was quite extreme to go to such lengths. So, I pondered this one for a while, and here's what I have to say:

I have close friend whose 38 year old son has severe autism. He's quite tall and strong, yet he has the mind of a four year old. He has done many dangerous things such as throwing large rocks through the windshields of moving cars, torturing his family's pets and battering his relatives. He has hurt quite a few people without having a clue what he was doing.

One cannot assume that their mentally challenged child will be a peaceful person, so if the choice would be to lock them away somewhere or find a medical solution such as stunting their growth, including adjusting hormone levels, I suppose I might opt for the latter. Psychotherapy medications also seem very unpredicatable.

Answer 2

You obviously saw the article in People magazine. Actually in her case I would probably say yes. It is very difficult to care for this type of child when they are full grown. There are many things to consider. One of the major problems is that the older she gets the heavier she will get. She is immobile except for the positions that her parents place her in. She is very susceptible to skin breakdown and having large sores as a result of immobility. If you have never seen a stage four decubitus ulcer you can consider yourself lucky. She has no need of her female organs. she is still susceptible to all of the problems that could go along with having them though. I don't think her parents made this decision lightly. I think that they love her very much and want to keep her at home with the rest of the family which is very admirable on their part. I don't think that anyone can judge another person until they have been in their shoes.

Answer 3

Only if they can prove that she lacks the ability to think and make choices for herself.

If that is such a case, why let her grow to a point that would make it a lot harder to keep her alive? Otherwise, if she can in anyway think for herself and be able to choose, then it shouldn't be forced on her. Children are not always the "can't figure out things for themselves" people that people generally make them out to be and parents don't always know what's best for their children, but this seems to be an exception. At least the parents are really thinking about how to help their child and possibly already thought about if their option was in error.

Answer 4

Yes it is right. By doing this, Her parents will be able to care for her many more years than if she were to grow to adult size. She will have much more of a life with people who love and care for her instead of being warehoused and likely abused in an institution.

Having said all that, its no one else's bloody business. Its the parents' decision.

Answer 5

That's a hard question to know the answer, if this was my child, Yes I would I guess.no menstruation's periods. no getting to big for my very bad back I have ,I would have to put her in a home if she were very large, personally.a lot of reasons point to saying yes. very few say no to me.she will never know the difference, she would be best off this way I think.who really knows? we can only hope and pray our decisions or the right ones in life.its up to her parents and the doctors. its not for us to judge, Please have love and understanding in you heart.Peace.

Answer 6

When I heard this story I did not favor either side. My biggest question is would growing and being a normal height, at the appropriate age, offer any benefits?