Do Fourteenth Amendment considerations outweigh a potential state interest in mandating cochlear implantation for deaf children?
Currently, the decision concerning pediatric cochlear implantation for children remains a personal choice for parents to make. Economic factors, educational outcomes, and societal attitudes concerning deafness could result in an increased governmental interest in this choice. This article examines case law related to the issue of parental autonomy to determine whether the state, acting in the role of parens patriae, could use economic and social reasons to mandate the provision of cochlear implants for all eligible children. The author uses previous cases as a framework to develop an opinion on whether a constitutional protection for parents may exist.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Allied Health, Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, 801 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City 73104, USA. denise-bender@ouhsc.edu
Denise G
DG
Bender
D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003249:Constitution and Bylaws; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D033282:Parental Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States