A bioethicist argues that children with Down syndrome should not be subjected to cosmetic surgery to change their appearance unless they are at the age and have the capacity to make the decision for themselves.
Physicians who treat children with Down's syndrome should ensure that their parents fully understand the children's capabilities and long-term prognosis and counsel them on the appropriate actions to take regarding their children's care.
Dr Brady J. Heward joins Ethics Talk to discuss his article, coauthored with Drs Amy M. Yule and Peter R. Jackson: “How Should Harm Reduction Strategies Differ for Adolescents and Adults?”