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Ashley revisited: a response to the critics
Douglas S Diekema1, Norman Fost
1University of Washington School of Medicine, USA. diek@u.washington.edu
The American Journal of Bioethics : AJOB
|January 16, 2010
Summary
The Ashley X case involved medical interventions for a child with severe disabilities. The study argues these treatments were in her best interest and may benefit similar future patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical ethics
- Pediatric care
- Developmental disabilities
Background:
- The case of Ashley X, a child with profound developmental disability, involved interventions like growth attenuation, hysterectomy, and breast bud removal.
- These decisions by parents, physicians, and an ethics committee faced significant public criticism, with some concerns based on misinformation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the Ashley X case and its ethical issues.
- To address 25 arguments questioning the ethics of Ashley's treatment.
- To evaluate whether the interventions were in Ashley's best interest.
Main Methods:
- Case review of Ashley X.
- Analysis of ethical arguments against the interventions.
- Evaluation of the "best interest" standard in medical decision-making for individuals with severe disabilities.
Main Results:
- While acknowledging valid concerns raised by critics, the paper finds they do not outweigh the benefits.
- The interventions are deemed not contrary to Ashley's best interests.
Conclusions:
- The treatments provided to Ashley X were ethically justifiable and in her best interest.
- Similar interventions may be appropriate for carefully selected future patients with comparable conditions.
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