trumptman
01-03-2007, 11:18 PM
Parents defend decision (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2530561,00.html)
Frozen in time (http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1982370,00.html)
The cause of the controversy is the "Ashley Treatment" - a course of surgery and hormone supplements devised for her at her parents' request and with the blessing of doctors - that will for ever keep her small. It involves surgical operations, including a hysterectomy, and hormone prescriptions that will, in effect, freeze-frame her body at its current size.
Although she has a normal life expectancy, she will, physically, always be nine years old. Her growth has been suspended at 4ft 5in (1.3 metres), rather than the 5ft 6in she would probably otherwise have become. Her weight will stick at around 75lb (34kg) rather than 125lb.
I wonder what the thoughts of others are on this matter. I personally agree with the decision of the parents and I agree with the hospital oversight board that this person was not sterilized for eugenic purposes.
When I was in college, I worked for about two years as direct care staff at a group home for children with cerebral palsy. The size and weight of the person being treated can have a profound affect on their quality of life in my view. The larger and heavier the child or adult, the fewer people who will attempt certain activities with them.
It would be nice if all in life were fair with regard to certain matters but the reality is that if a young patient weighs 125-145lbs, no one will move him or her without a life which is much more time and labor intensive. Most folks won't attempt any sort of moves above 60 lbs or so. Larger patients had more bedsores from what I observed, they were moved less often and couldn't be scheduled for activities where lifts weren't available. I do think these procedures will have improved the limited quality of life she can currently enjoy.
What are your thoughts?
Nick
Frozen in time (http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1982370,00.html)
The cause of the controversy is the "Ashley Treatment" - a course of surgery and hormone supplements devised for her at her parents' request and with the blessing of doctors - that will for ever keep her small. It involves surgical operations, including a hysterectomy, and hormone prescriptions that will, in effect, freeze-frame her body at its current size.
Although she has a normal life expectancy, she will, physically, always be nine years old. Her growth has been suspended at 4ft 5in (1.3 metres), rather than the 5ft 6in she would probably otherwise have become. Her weight will stick at around 75lb (34kg) rather than 125lb.
I wonder what the thoughts of others are on this matter. I personally agree with the decision of the parents and I agree with the hospital oversight board that this person was not sterilized for eugenic purposes.
When I was in college, I worked for about two years as direct care staff at a group home for children with cerebral palsy. The size and weight of the person being treated can have a profound affect on their quality of life in my view. The larger and heavier the child or adult, the fewer people who will attempt certain activities with them.
It would be nice if all in life were fair with regard to certain matters but the reality is that if a young patient weighs 125-145lbs, no one will move him or her without a life which is much more time and labor intensive. Most folks won't attempt any sort of moves above 60 lbs or so. Larger patients had more bedsores from what I observed, they were moved less often and couldn't be scheduled for activities where lifts weren't available. I do think these procedures will have improved the limited quality of life she can currently enjoy.
What are your thoughts?
Nick