[Flynn]

The "Ashley Treatment"

The parents of a severely disabled young girl ( Ashley ) have turned to the internet to defend their decision to approve growth-stunting medical treatments that will ensure that she has a child’s body for the rest of her life.

The procedures include large doses of estrogen that will restrict bone growth, a hysterectomy and the removal of breast buds so she will not develop breasts as an adult.

Ashley’s parents reject accusations that the purpose of the procedures was to make their lives more convenient. The parents say it is a misconception that the treatment is intended for the care giver rather than what they say are actions that will improve Ashley’s quality of life.

It goes without saying that an adult in a child’s body would be much easier to care for than that of a fully grown adult.

I don’t doubt for one moment that these parents are acting in what they believe are in the best interests of their daughter.

Do parents have the right to have those sorts of medical treatments carried out on their children ?

Where is the blurring of the lines in other childhood disorders where a parent or a guardian can ask for a procedures such as sterilisation be carried out ?

Whose responsibility is it to ascertain which children can have radical medical treatments ?