Forever a child: analysis of the Ashley case.
Concerned for her future, the care-givers of a profoundly disabled girl (Ashley) consented to her having growth attenuation using high dose oestrogen, a hysterectomy and breast bud removal. Parents of other children with similar disabilities have requested similar treatment for their children. In this article relevant developmental issues are explored with discussion of child protection measures and ethical concerns around children with profound physical and cognitive limitations like Ashley. Open discussion of all possible motivators and ethical concerns helps ensure robust decisions are reached. Children's nurses have an important role in acting as advocates for the child.
Terry
Louise
L
London South Bank University.
Campbell
Anne
A
D002648:Child; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000451:nursing*; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D004989:Ethics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans