Debate About Medical Ethics

523 Words3 Pages
Ashley is a nine year old girl with severe and permanent complex mental disabilities which renders her never to be able to talk or walk. The central purpose of Ashley treatment is to improve her quality of life and minimise any discomfort. The parent’s decision provoked a torrent of criticism, that their decision was intended for their own convenience as a caregiver and not a benefit to Ashley. Although, there are needs for Ashley’s parent to balance their love and attention to their other children, so it is important for them to do anything that will enable them to give Ashley the better quality of life. The parental love and care given to Ashley is the key factor of her quality of life and this is shown by their devotion to her in all aspect of her care. It is important for Ashley to be involve in activities outside the home. The smaller and lighter size makes it more possible for Ashley to be included in family life and activities that provide her with needed comfort, security and love from family members. Ashley’s biggest challenges to quality of life are pains, discomfort and also boredom by not leaving the house and participate in pleasurable activities. In order to protect her from the discomfort of menstrual cramps, which they believe she could not cope with. Prevention of her growth becomes essential, by preventing breast growth for her physical comfort, controlling her height to prevent her growing taller and heavier. Ashley’s parents accepted surgery intervention for the long-term benefit. ASHLEY - CASE The case of Ashley’s X has triggered a debate about medical ethics. This highlight the dilemma of Ashley’s parents who are ostensibly force by societal expectations and inadequacies of public policy to accept an interventionist medical procedure on their child in furtherance of a social model of disability that restricts the growth
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