Shaping the body of a child. Invasive medical procedures on incompetent patients – some ethical and medical remarks on Ashley’s case.

Abstract

In our paper we present and analyze the case of Ashley X and the treatment she underwent as an example of invasive medical procedures performed on children. The case still remains controversial, and the treatment consisting of growth attenuation, hysterectomy, appendectomy and breast buds removal has both its opponents and proponents. In our paper we have a closer look at some arguments important for ethical analysis of Ashley’s case and treatment. First, for a better understanding of the case we present her medical condition. Secondly, we refer to the classification of therapeutic versus non-therapeutic medical procedures. Thirdly, we examine the issue of surrogate decisions for incompetent patients. Finally, we analyze two vital ethical arguments: a) the right to the open future and b) the criterion of best-interest.

Keywords

• static encephalopathy
• Ashley treatment
• invasive medical procedures
• incompetent patients
• the right to an open future
• best interest