Children with Stunted Growth Hoping for Growth Hormone

Children are hoping that Humatrope can boost their height. In the past Humatrope has only been used for genetic disorders, but now it may be approved for use in children where the only thing abnormal about them is their height.

This brings up a big bioethics debate. Is it ethical to spend vast amounts of money on a treatment for something that is not life threatening? (Or even dangerous in any way) Would it then be allowable to use it for children who are of normal height but wish to become taller, perhaps for physical improvement in a sport? The FDA has limited the Humatrope's use to boys who are expected to reach only 5 feet 3 inches and girls estimated to reach only 4 feet 11 inches.

The full story can be found at http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/7885439.htm