Surgical Shaping

In “Emily’s Scars”, Arthur Frank discusses the consequences of surgically shaping children in order to correct facial deformities, intersex issues, and even lengthen limbs. This choice is made on a child’s behalf by their parents and often at a young age where the child has no consent. Consequently, children are left with altered bodies which they may not want, along with complications and other negative consequences. The bioethical problem here is whether or not parents have a right to allow a drastic surgery to take place, and if said surgery is necessary.  I take the position that this type of shaping is unethical, not only because the parents are allowed to decide such a fate for their children, but also because of their nature and the social construction that lies behind such a choice.

The surgeries described in “Emily’s Scars” include the lengthening of limbs of children born with dwarfism, as well as correcting genital irregularities. Although there may be cases that demand surgical shaping to correct life threatening problems, these two examples are not overall necessary. In fact, in my opinion, they are cosmetic corrections rather than health related ones.  Parents may claim they are saving their child from future embarrassment, but, are they not doing this for themselves?  Carl Elliott, in his book “Better Than Well”, discusses a common response people give when they decide to alter their appearance. They are doing it “for themselves”, because they want to be viewed and look a certain way. In reality, this isn’t for them, but rather from the attention an alteration garners. The parents who chose to lengthen the limbs their short child are doing it for “themselves” as well – they are doing it so their child, as well as them, won’t get negative attention from society.

The actual surgeries themselves must also be considered. A child will reach adulthood as a Little Person or with genital irregularity. Granted, each case will no doubt present a challenge for that child, but they will live a normal life, even one enriched because of their dwarfism. But with surgical shaping, painful consequences arise, ones that may cause more harm than the original condition being corrected.  When the person living with the results of these surgeries does not have a choice, these procedures become doubly wrong.

 Why are such invasive procedures being performed they aren’t necessary? The consequences of such a choice paired with the their superficial nature deem unethical.