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But I keep coming back to her personhood. Yes--she cannot speak for herself; she's not mentally advanced enough to be an advocate for her own health. But what of her individual humanity? If she was suddenly granted full, 'normal' intelligence--what would she think of the fact that a team of doctors (and her parents) had physically altered her, out of convenience?
If? Yeah, she'd probably be pissed. Just as "If" Terry Shaivo was suddenly cured, she'd be unhappy about being allowed to die as well. If, if, if. Unfortunately, all available science (and we're well beyond 100 year old guesswork at this point) indicates that there is no "if" to come.
"If" the boulder that crushed Aron Ralston's arm could be magically un-stuck, what would he think about the fact that he cut it off? Its about as likely a scenario. Unfortunately, this is the real world, and we can't expect people to live as if something magical may happen when all - all indications are that it won't. Its not as if anyone is arguing that Ashley will start mentally developing next week.
