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Ethical Dilemmas in Health Care

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Ethical Dilemmas in Global Health Care: Cosmetic Surgery on Children
Grand Canyon University
NRS-437V
November 13, 2011 Ethical Dilemmas in Global Health Care: Cosmetic Surgery on Children Nationally and internationally public awareness and concerns regarding cosmetic surgery on children is increasing (Kitiparnchai & Then, 2011). The United States of America had over 36,000 cosmetic procedures on children just in 2009 (Kitiparnchai & Then, 2011). These elective cosmetic procedures include: rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, otoplasty, liposuction, tummy tucks, and westernizing eye surgery (blepharoplasty) for Asian children (Kitiparnchai & Then, 2011; Ouellette, 2009). Blephroplasty widens the eyes of Asians, and is even performed on newborns (Ouellette, 2009). There is no specific law that blocks the use of plastic surgery on children (Ouellette, 2009). The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery code of ethics states merely that surgical operation should not be performed if it is not calculated to improve or benefit the patient (Ouellette, 2009). The Australian Medical Association position statement on body image and health states that “ patients under 18 years of age should not have procedures to modify or enhance physical appearance, unless it is in their medical and or psychological interest” (Kitiparnchai & Then, 2011, p. 514).There is no explanation by either of these entities on how we should determine if it is in their medical and or psychological interest, or how to quantify calculating improving or benefiting the child.
The law supports a parental right to make choices for their children, and presumes that their decision is in the best interest of the child (Ouellette, 2009). Ouellette explains that parents are not owners but trustees of their children. She goes on to explain that owners may destroy their property but

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