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| No | 24% | 8 votes | Total: 34 votes | |
| Yes | 76% | 26 votes |
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Add to FavoritesThe answer to this question is not as obvious as it may seem. Every parent who has fretted through a pregnancy and birth, every parent who has been relieved after counting fingers and toes and finding the usual number, each and every human who can imagine the challenges that a physical deformity would add to their lives, will quickly answer that the parents must do everything they can to make this baby appear more normal.
But that is an answer born of Western society and culture. Although we champion the rights of the disabled, we are still not quite comfortable with differences. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees the civil rights of the disabled and prohibits discrimination. Does this mean that it is easy for someone with disabilities or differences to "fit in" with society? Let's be frank. Regardless of our best intentions, Western society is still hung up on appearances. A child born with two faces in the United States would immediately become the news-worthy patient of a prestigious surgeon at a respected hospital and undergo hours of surgery to make her appear "normal". Normality is highly prized.
However, this child was born into a much poorer society. Her parents have very little and her life would be hard even if she were born beautiful and perfect. In this small Indian village, there is no electricity or indoor plumbing and the average income in $2 per day. Yet this tiny baby, born in such humble circumstances, was immediately hailed as a reincarnation of the Hindu god, Ganesh. In her first few weeks of life, people traveled from all over India to bring gifts and money. They came not to stare at an freak of nature, but to worship a goddess.
If the child has a medical condition that threatens her life, that condition would suggest another answer. I would then immediately answer that yes, her parents must put her in the hands of the doctors. All the question tells us, however, is that the child has two faces. The overwhelming "Yes" vote on this question shows that having a physical deformity is enough, we aren't concerning ourselves with her health.
We don't know if surgery would be successful or if it would endanger her life, as these surgeries often do. Regardless of her parents' ability to pay, we can be sure that any surgical and hospital services would be donated. To some extent, this is charity. However, to some extent it is also research for the medical community. Must the parents donate their child to the advancement of science?
Perfectly formed and devoid of deformity, a child living in poverty, and without opportunity would still have a life full of hardship, pain and challenges. A child that is considered a miracle and a gift from the gods will be tended to and cared for, never wanting for the basic necessities of life. Perhaps, if we can set aside our prejudices, we could consider the possibility that being born a goddess may not be such a bad thing after all.
Learn more about this author, A. Jacobina Poulsen.
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Yes
Thinking on this debate, It is a very hard decision for a parent to have to make such a decision.The shock of a child being in this condition is a big toughy.We all want the best for our children. When this happenes we ask many questions because we want answers and what directions can we take to make this problem improve. First of all, we as parents or whoever is in this situation needs to really know what and why is this and doing research and trying to get the help we desperately need we will understand more about this and know what directions we need to go in to get help for the problem. What is this condition and what caused it? Can this problem be helped?
After doing research after reading about these patients that was born with major and minor problems there are several things we can do to correct these problems.I think parents should do everything possible to correct this problems. The earlier intervention to a good cranofacial specialist and team , the better.If left alone, it can create a lot of other problems to the child .
Craniofacial deformities in the natural form of the face or skull can be cogential or acquired.When this occurs, an obstetrician or pediatrician is the initial point of contact for the medical treatment ,then referrals to the craniofacial center .They can give a accurate diagnosis plus the directions one needs to take .New computers and advanced technology enables the surgeon to perform complex photography analysis that will aid in the treatment plan.
ETIOLOGY~
While this pattern of embryonic cranifacial development has not been well defined through a extensive research,very little is known about the etiologyof the many craniofacial anormalies.
Some are known to be primarely genetic in nature, while others are thought to be caused by enviromental factors. A combination of both enviroments and genetics play a role in the etiology,however, most of the time the cause is unknown.
THE CRANIOFACIAL TEAM~
The care of these patients require the expertise of super - specialized professionals.
Findin g medical professionals and clinics are important and there are a few major medical centers located across the United States.The clinics and team are specialized professionals from many healthcare fields and they work together to help .It takes continuously working to correct the problem ,not occasionally, becausethe more work that is conducted, the more postive effects happens.
One Doctor stated that"craniofacial surgery should be performed only if it is the main interest of the surgeon and he has the support facilities of a major medical center".
Being part of the team and there are several displines represented to get the postive effects is constant care.This means the more procedures the better then the complications are less and improvement is the result.
1. neurosurgery
2.pedodo ntics
3.orthodontics
4 .otolaryngology
5.spe ech pathology
6.pediatric s
7.audiology
8.psycho logy
9.social services
10.genetics
1 1.nurseing
New technology~
There are so much improvements that has taken place for these teams and clinics working together as well as parents that great results has really made a big difference in the last few years.Since the patients parents understand what they are facing, ,and what directions they need to take, progress has taken place for the patient to live a normal life. They will be proud of the decision to have the surgery on their child and the child will thank the parents everyday of his life.
Learn more about this author, Margaret Ladner.
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