Ethical Terms/ Prototypes
What is Autonomy
Individuals have a right to make their own choices regarding their bodies and lives
What are Ashley's Parents' names?
Trick question, they want to remain anonymous!
Who proposed Ashley's Treatment?
Her parents
Which community was creating the blog and reporting on the status of the Ashley Treatment after it broke news?
The Disabled Community
What is an alternative solution for Ashley's uterus being removed to prevent menstruation and possibly cramps?
Medications
What is the main ethical prototype involved with the Ashley Treatment?
Locus of Authority
What hospital was involved in this case?
Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center
What four separate procedures did Ashley's treatment entail?
Hysterectomy, growth attenuation, breast bud removal, & appendectomy
Who was responsible for creating the blog and reporting on the status of Ashley post-treatment?
Ashley's father
What is the argument against keeping Ashley the same size and weight throughout her life?
Keeping Ashley the same size and weight benefits her caregivers more than for herself.
What is paternalism?
Parents and healthcare providers making decisions on behalf of Ashley for what they felt was best for her
What specialty was Dr. Daniel Gunther
Pediatrics Endocrinologist
What diagnosis did doctors give Ashley before her treatment?
Static Encephalopathy
What was the agency responsible for the investigation following the Ashley Case?
Washington Protection and Advocacy System (WPAS)
What are the conflicting arguments against the view, "Adults with a mental age of an infant are undignified"?
Dignity isn’t about looking or acting like everyone else. It is about treating people with respect no matter what they look like or how their mind works.
What is the main ethical dilemma involved in the case?
Autonomy vs. beneficence Doing what is best for Ashley and continuing her life, but her inability to make her own decisions.
Why was Ashley brought to an endocrinologist preceding her treatment?
She was developing breasts and pubic hair at 6 years old, a sign of premature puberty which is common for people with developmental disabilities.
What was one of the corrective actions that the hospital had to follow through with after being found guilty of breaking Washington State Law?
Never performing sterilization without the consent of a court order.
What is the argument that the Ashley Treatment helps her family care for her at home instead of needing outside help?
Supports argue that by keeping Ashley small, her family can care for her physical needs more easily, preventing need for institutional care.
What is the parental rights vs child autonomy argument?
A key ethical argument in the Ashley Treatment controversy focuses on whether parental decision-making for their disabled child should outweigh all else, even when it involves life-altering interventions
What is our Professor's name?
Professor Shawn Edouard
What are the criteria for sterilization procedures?
Profound and permanent developmental delay, procedure should be urgently necessary, procedures must clearly be in the best interests of individual, the same benefits cannot be obtained from a less intrusive method, and the case was subject for ethics committee/judicial review.
What was the date of Ashley's death?
Trick question! She is still alive!
What is the argument for how the Ashley Treatment might prevent future health issues?
Supporters believe keeping Ashley small reduces risks of bedsores and infections, making it easier to mover her and prevent discomfort.