Human Growth Hormone

I know, I know. I've been neglecting my blog! After 45 hours a week on the computer at my job, I find that the last thing I want to do is get back on the computer at home. Last night, a segment aired on 20/20 about the importance of height. They posed the question from the point of view of a dwarf and from a giant. The show later chronicled the journey of 2 short teenagers who made the decision to take human growth hormone (HGH) in order to make them taller. Owen has an apointment with an endochronologist (hormone specialist) on the 13th. Originally we were told that HGH would not make a difference to Owen's dwarfism. It would get him to his maximum height faster, but would not make him any taller. However, our genetisist told us that recent studies have shown that HGH can actually add inches. He suggested we see the endochronologist for a consultation. This possiblity of HGH for Owen changed our question from "could" to "should". Dan and I are now pondering some big decisions. If it is a reasonable option for Owen, should we give him human growth hormones? From where Dan and I stand, we have serious worries about how this decision could effect Owen. Would giving him HGH cause him to think that he is not good enough because he is short? Dan and I NEVER want him to think that he is anything less than perfect just the way he is. Will he see his height as a problem that needs to be fixed? How would HGH effect Owen's character? If we try to remedy Owen's short stature, will he be unable to fully accept who he is? Will he never find the peace that being comfortable with who you are provides? Will Owen's height amoung his little people peer group matter? I have not yet learned enough about the culture of little people to know what effect height has within their own community. Is it an advantage to be a tall dwarf? I would think not, but people are still people - little person or not. If we are being honest, height is generally and advantage. And the really big question... Just because we can do something should we do something? On the other side of the spectrum, perhaps HGH is a good thing. Medical technology is available for the betterment of human health. Why should I refuse medical advances based on philisophical doubts? Perhaps the inches HGH will add would give Owen more confidence as it did with the teens from the 20/20 show. Is there anything wrong with narrowing the gap between Owen and his friends. Maybe Owen will see that we love him enough to do whatever it takes to make him happy. Maybe there are medical benefits to HGH (I do not know yet). All these questions still leave one enourmous factor out of the equation... What will Owen want? Ultimately it is Owen who will have to live with the decisions we make on behalf of his body. Maybe this is something that he will have to decide somewhere down the line. In this grey area of ethical decisions, he is the only one who can determine whether or not they are right or wrong. Perhaps I'm copping out or maybe this is truly the right thing. Either way, all these questions are currently theoretical. However, with these types of questions looming on the horizon, it doesn't hurt to gather my thoughts. I would love to know what everyone's thoughts on this. Please post a comment and tell me what you think. On another note, there will be a National Geographic special on "The Science of Dwarfism" on Monday, June 30th at 9:00pm. The 20/20 segment was done in conjunction with this piece. Click on the link and the video is on the right hand side.