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drrathore

Re: Is it ethical to stunt the growth of a severely disabled child?

Here is the link to full text article

http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/160/10/1013

drrathore

Is it ethical to stunt the growth of a severely disabled child?

Has anyone heard of a controversial treatment in the US, where doctors use medical interventions to stunt the growth of severely disabled children (with parents' consent)?

The interventions are being used to keep children permanently small, and stop the start of puberty. A patient called Ashley was given high doses of estrogen, a hysterectomy (to stop menstruation) and had her nascent breast buds removed to stop the growth of breasts.

Ashley's condition leaves her unable to talk or walk and has the cognitive ability of a small child. Her parents claim that by using these interventions, it will give her the best life possible, and reduce discomfort, despite the challenges of her condition.

Should this treatment be available for all parents who want it? Where are the lines of consent drawn? Are there any ethical implications for these interventions?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/mar/15/ashley-treatment-email-exchange