Ethical and health policy issues in the treatment of children with major craniofacial deformities.

The advent of craniofacial surgery and neonatal intensive care has made it possible for children with serious craniofacial deformities to live and possibly to experience effective habilitation. These therapeutic innovations also raise important social and ethical issues that are rarely examined. This paper reviews the dilemmas that relate to the gatekeeper role for physicians, the impact of prenatal diagnosis, and the allocation of scarce fiscal and health resources to craniofacial care. The high degree of cost, the intense investment of medical resources, and the uncertain outcomes in the care of children with major craniofacial deformities, must be considered in the distribution of resources within a health system. The rationing of health resources is discussed as a future determinant of how care for major craniofacial deformities may be delivered in the United States.