The controversial case of Ashley, a brain-damaged six-year girl who, as willed by her parents, has undergone numbers of hormonal and surgical treatments to "deal" with her disability, has spurred many conversations and debates nationwide. One of these conversations was held in Midwood High School, as I and thirty other students deliberated whether or not the "Ashley Treatment" was an ethical, according to American values, decision. The article we had to base our response on, "Pillow Angel Ethics" by Nancy Gibbs, brought into the light both sides of the coin. While the author cautiously underlined the treatment as unethical, she respectfully discussed the benefits that come along with this decision, such as better mobility, lack of menstrual cramps, and the ability of her parents to take better care of her due to her smaller and lighter frame. On the other hand, the treatment violates basic human rights, is not safe due to a lack of proper research and practice, and does not involve Ashley consent. In the beginning of the debate, I had no real opinion on the treatment. But as I got to argue the side of opposition, I began to feel more and more intolerable of Ashley's parents and what they have done to her. I found their actions to be extremely selfish. While it "makes her life better", it was initially done to make it easier for HER PARENTS to take care of her. They wanted to remove discomfort that comes from her size and female nature, so that they can carry her around easier. This makes me think of Ashley as a chihuahua - the "mini" version of a full sized dog that doesn't take much space and is easy to carry in a purse. Of course, Ashley is a human being and not a dog, but her parents' attitude is somewhat similar to that of pet owners'. Why going through the struggle of taking care of a full grown woman, when you can freeze her in her childhood and never have to struggle with the "fallouts" of her adulthood. On the down side, Ashley is deprived of ever having a chance to express what she wants, since this treatment has most likely stopped any natural development of her brain. Well, I guess it did get easier to "provide her with needed comfort, closeness, security and love", right ?
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