Pillow Angel

Ashley, a six-year old girl, with brain damage was kept small on her parent’s orders to make her more portable in the future. In doing so, unethical procedures were carried out but with a right mindset. I’m indecisive on whether this was an appropriate decision. In the parent’s point of view, it was in their best interest for their daughter to be happy. While in the public’s eye, including other ill patients and parents it was perceived as a horrific surgery.

A doctor’s oath is to cure patients. In Ashley’s case, her conditions couldn’t be cured. However, the doctors took a different approach, by comforting her. As a result, doctors removed anything that would cause discomfort as stated in, “removed her uterus to prevent potential discomfort from menstrual cramps or pregnancy in the event of rape; and also her breast tissue” (Lines 16-17). Not only did her parents decide to keep her small, but remove any of which Ashley probably needs to feel feminine. The doctors were canceling out the risks of any long-term effects of the surgery, but this raises a question, did Ashley’s parents thoroughly think of her social and emotional life besides physical?

Ashley’s story raised many controversies in public because it violated her human rights. Many disabled people felt strongly because her brain isn't able to function completely, that doesn’t qualify her to be toyed around with. She’s still human, and that makes her no different that those who are able to function without any effort. It was considered unethical to perform the previously mentioned procedure at the age of six because her brain can develop as well as medicine can improve.

Although the choice of Ashley’s parents was frowned upon, they claimed it wasn’t a difficult decision for them if it guaranteed Ashley’s safety. Her parents stated, “makes it more possible to include her in the typical family life and activities that provide her with needed comfort, closeness, security and love: meal time, car trips” (Lines 11-13) stressing that the treatment was to improve the quality of Ashley's life. Furthermore, they believed she would be easier to handle. At this point, treating Ashley is an acceptable intention. Yet, a recurring question is: Were her parents making excuses and were aiming to make their own life simpler, whilst saving them the trouble of taking care of a grown ill child? Additionally proven in, "I think in the end it was the obvious bond and love that exists between Ashley and her parents," Gunther says, "that convinced them this was the right thing to do." (Lines 69-70), this presents that Ashley’s parents have deemed the surgery to be carried out. As well as, no other comprehends the situation better than them, parents and the child connection. Thus, no one else should interfere.