Outlandish Possibility

Arthur Frank takes on the idea of body modification with surgery in "Emily's Scars" using a Socratic viewpoint on medicine. His view is that rather than the patient's choice being the primary concern, we should focus on how these medical choices affect the ability of others to choose. This argument can be summarized by a statement on page 23; "...As we choose for ourselves, we confront others with choice." He gives the example of limb lengthening for "Little People" (how that name is somehow less offensive is beyond my comprehension). Limb-lengthening was not always possible, but its appearance in medicine poses Little People with a difficult choice. Do they remain little, or do they become "normal" in height. This possibility creates an internal conflict between identity and disability. A Little person must decide how they feel they truly should be. Is being short part of their identity? Also created is the conflict of disability rights. If corrective surgery is available, do we still owe these people public accommodations? Or are they obligated to "fix" their own problem. As more people use procedures like these, the pressure will be greater for others to make a solid decision were there was once only the possibility to adapt.

This issue becomes more complex with more cosmetic procedures. The example that began this article was podiatrists being asked to shape feet to fit into designer shoes. If these cosmetic surgeries become common, would it raise the bar on standards for appearance? Could it become an ethical obligation to be attractive? These surgeries are also quite exspensive now. If nothing changes, surgical modification, cosmetic or otherwise, could be a service reserved only for an elite few.

While this possibilities seem to stretch into unpleasant territory, I don't think they should be unwelcome. Modern medicine has come a long way, and if it is possible to be used for less pressing things than saving lives, I think it ought to be. This could open up the field of medicine far more than plastic surgery has done. Although these procedures may start small and trivial, we can expand the to do great things. It may be limb-lengthening today, but it could be spinal repair for paralysis next. Even if new "cures" create discomfort for some individuals that don't want to change, we must remember those like Emily who are under stress and would take a chance at changing their lives. Identity should be for the individual to decide, and I think medicine should be a tool at one's disposal. I can already imagine how outlandish and wonderful human diversity could become if it were aided by medical procedures. So, if a man comes in asking to have his leg removed, he ought to have his wish. And save that leg, because maybe we will find people that would feel whole if only they had three legs. What do we truly own, if not our own bodies?