Should parents stop their very disabled children from growing up? Father sparks debate about treatment that could spread to UK

At least a dozen families with severely disabled children have decided to put them through a controversial therapy to stop them from reaching adulthood, according to reports.

Known as the "Ashley treatment, which is named after a girl from Seattle who underwent a series of procedures between 2004 and 2006 to maintain in a state like a child.

Five years after his father is convinced that the treatment has improved the lives of her daughter and says he knows of parents at least a dozen others who have followed a similar course.

However, rights activists for the disabled say is a violation of the civil rights of the disabled person.

Ashley's father, who wishes to remain anonymous family, told The Guardian: "Ashley Treatment has become much more likely to be comfortable, healthy and happy

"Given the limitations of his health, his life is as good as we can do."

As she approached puberty parents worried about how they would cope with caring for her. It was decided to launch a series of drastic growth attenuation treatments to halt this process while limiting its size.

He underwent estrogen therapy that limits its height - for the year 2010 that is 4 feet 4 ", which is about a foot shorter than an average 13-year-old girl.

He also underwent a hysterectomy and has two breast buds removed at Seattle Children's hospital.

Ashley's parents argue that the treatment improves quality of life and saved a lot of discomfort, like menstrual cramps. It also meant that it was easier for them to help manage and herself.

However, critics said that the treatment violated the human rights of Ashley and doctors had thought more about the needs of parents of her daughter.

Curt Decker, director of the National Network for Disability Rights in the U.S., said his group will publish a report in April that he would ask the U.S. Congress to prohibit the treatment of growth attenuation of disabled children.

"Parents need to rationalize this is a thing well done, but treats people as if they have no value and that is a slippery slope," he told The Guardian.

Mr. Decker believes thousands of families are exploring the Ashley treatment.

"This is a violation of civil rights of people and should be banned," he said.

However, Ashley's father said it deprives children with severe disabilities who leave treatment available only for the "rich and powerful."



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