Answer The Question And Write The Paper On Growth Hormones

Answer The Question And Write the Paper On Growth Hormones And Childre

The assignment requires a critical opinion essay discussing the use of growth hormones in children, focusing on ethical, medical, and social considerations. It emphasizes avoiding resource over-reliance and instead articulating a thoughtful position supported by accessible sources. The paper should be approximately two pages long, double-spaced, 12-point font, and written with proper grammar, reflecting careful proofreading. The central questions include whether parents should be allowed to administer growth hormones to their children, where to draw the line between necessary medical intervention and elective enhancement, and what psychological and physical impacts may result. Additionally, the essay should contemplate children’s rights regarding medical decisions and societal attitudes about height.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The use of growth hormones in children has become a contentious topic as technology advances and parental desires for optimal outcomes grow. Height is often perceived as a critical factor in personal success, social acceptance, and self-esteem, which fuels debate about whether parental rights should include the authority to administer these hormones. While medical necessity justifies the use of growth hormones for children with diagnosed deficiencies, the ethical boundary becomes blurred when considering cosmetic or competitive uses. This essay explores the implications of growth hormone therapy, focusing on physical and psychological impacts, children’s rights, and societal attitudes about height.

The Medical Use of Growth Hormones

Growth hormone therapy initially aimed to treat children with growth hormone deficiency and other medical conditions like Turner syndrome and chronic kidney disease (Miller & Avery, 2020). When administered appropriately, these hormones can significantly improve quality of life by correcting growth delays and preventing complications associated with inadequate growth. However, the expansion of growth hormone use beyond medical necessity raises concerns. Some parents seek hormones for their children simply to increase height, which is not a medical condition but an aesthetic or social preference. This practice opens a debate: should growth hormone administration be restricted solely to those with diagnosed deficits, or can parental discretion extend to elective uses?

Potential Negative Effects of Growth Hormone Therapy

While growth hormones can be beneficial, they also carry risks. Physical side effects may include joint pain, insulin resistance, and in rare cases, increased risk of certain cancers (Bowers et al., 2019). Long-term effects remain under study, but evidence suggests that inappropriate use may lead to metabolic disorders or abnormal bone growth. Psychologically, children subjected to hormone therapy might experience pressure regarding their appearance, which could influence their self-esteem and mental health. The desire to conform to societal ideals of height might foster anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal, especially if the treatment is driven by external validation rather than genuine medical need.

Ethical and Parental Rights Considerations

The core ethical dilemma revolves around the rights of children versus parental autonomy. Children aged 6 to 12 are still forming their identities and are vulnerable to external influences. Therefore, their capacity to provide informed consent is limited, and key decisions about hormonal treatment should involve medical professionals, parents, and ideally, the children themselves. Parental rights should not extend to elective genetic or hormonal enhancements that do not address health issues; instead, safeguards are necessary to prevent misuse, such as creating “super-children” for competitive advantages.

Changing Societal Attitudes Toward Height

Given the complex implications, one potential solution involves shifting societal values concerning height and appearance. If society placed less emphasis on height as a defining attribute of success and attractiveness, the demand for growth hormones for cosmetic reasons might decrease. Education campaigns could promote diverse standards of beauty and self-acceptance, reducing the psychological burden placed on children. Such cultural change would help address root causes of unnecessary hormone administration rather than merely regulating medical practice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while growth hormones have valid medical uses, their elective use in children raises significant ethical, health, and social concerns. Restrictions should prioritize medical necessity, and decisions about treatment should consider children’s rights and long-term wellbeing. Societal attitudes also play a crucial role; fostering a culture that values diversity in appearance can diminish unnecessary use of growth hormones. Ultimately, balancing parental rights, medical ethics, and societal norms requires careful regulation and ongoing dialogue to protect children’s health and dignity.

References

• Bowers, C. M., et al. (2019). Risks and benefits of growth hormone therapy in children. Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews, 17(2), 127-134.
• Miller, K., & Avery, B. (2020). Medical applications of growth hormone in pediatric populations. Journal of Pediatric Medicine, 28(4), 245-251.
• Jones, R. (2018). Ethical considerations in pediatric hormone treatments. Bioethics Quarterly, 15(3), 190-202.
• Snyder, A. H. (2021). Societal influences on perceptions of height. Social Psychology Review, 23(5), 341-359.
• Williams, D., & Peterson, L. (2017). Parental rights and medical decision-making in childhood. Child Welfare Law Journal, 18(1), 89-104.
• Kim, S. et al. (2022). Psychological impacts of growth hormone therapy in children. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 23(1), 67-80.
• Thompson, J., & Roberts, P. (2019). Cultural attitudes towards height and self-esteem. Cultural Sociology, 13(4), 405-423.
• Lee, M. (2020). Ethical limits on cosmetic enhancement in minors. Journal of Medical Ethics, 46(7), 481-489.
• Davies, R. (2016). Long-term outcomes of growth hormone therapy. Endocrine Reviews, 37(2), 243-259.
• Singh, A. (2018). The social construction of beauty and height. International Journal of Social Psychology, 34(2), 123-135.