Ashley Treatment

Ashley Treatment

The Ashley Treatment refers to a controversial set of medical procedures undergone by a Seattle child, Ashley X. The treatment was designed to halt her growth, prevent sexual maturity, and maintain her quality of life due to her severe developmental disabilities.

Background

Ashley X was born in 1997 with a condition known as static encephalopathy, a severe brain impairment that leaves her unable to walk, talk, eat, sit up or change her facial expressions. Her mental development was estimated to be that of a three-month-old baby. Her parents, concerned about her future physical comfort and care, proposed a series of medical interventions that would keep her permanently small and childlike.

Procedure

The Ashley Treatment consists of three main components: hysterectomy, breast bud removal, and high-dose estrogen therapy. The hysterectomy and breast bud removal were performed to prevent menstruation and breast growth, respectively, both of which were considered by her parents to be sources of potential discomfort for Ashley. The estrogen therapy was intended to rapidly advance her bone age and close her growth plates, effectively stunting her growth.

Ethical Debate

The Ashley Treatment has sparked a significant ethical debate in the medical community. Supporters argue that the treatment can improve the quality of life for children with severe disabilities, while critics contend that it infringes on the child's human rights and bodily integrity.

See Also

• Medical ethics
• Disability rights
• Growth attenuation