Letters to the Editor

This letter is associated with the following article:
Behind the Pillow Angel Doctors at the Seattle hospital that operated on a disabled girl to keep her from reaching sexual maturity -- the controversial "Ashley Treatment" -- were more troubled by the procedure than has been reported previously.
  • Caring for the Severely Disabled ...

    is not easy in this country. It is physically and mentally demanding. I can see a parent wanting to do as much as possible for their child, but when that child turns into a full grown adult, will the parent still be able to care for them?

    When brain growth is stunted to that of a three month olds, resulting in a body that reacts like that of a three month old, are we really going to force these parents to change the diapers on a 100 pound woman? And, since she cannot hold up her head or sit up straight on her own, she can't help they at all. She is basically a dead weight. Frankly, I can't imagine what it would be like to change Ashley's diapers now that she weighs 65 pounds. And, this is only one of the many tasks that go into caring for Ashley.

    Now, we're not talking about someone who can eventually or even possibly live on their own with some supervision. We're talking about someone who will always respond like a three month old baby, and so, will always need round-the-clock care. And, she has parents who want the responsibility of caring for her for the rest of her life, and as they grow older, it's only going to get harder for them.

    In many ways in this country, we go so overboard over individual rights that we forget about protecting and preserving families (or communities). Ashley's life is her family. These medical procedures mean her family will continue to stay together.

Most Active Stories

Read More

Letters Help

Daily Delivery

Salon headlines in your mailbox