Update on Ashley debate January 9, 2007

Technology does not always solve problems. It does how ever invoke debates and keeps us informed. Little Ashley’s story, the girl who was stunned by the choice of her parents, is one that has touched me deeply. It seems that i keep following this case despite having that gut crunching feeling that the more i find out the more it will make me miserable, moody and angry. Not only because of the treatment and mutilations they have carried on this girl but for the same reason as this comment i found.

Living in Africa I find the First World response to Ashley, and the choices her parents have made for her, a little confusing. The harshness of the lives of millions of children in Third World countries puts Ashley’s circumstances into a very priviliged category indeed. I do not notice the same sense of outrage at the frequently appalling treatment of children in the Third World from these same indignant people, and I have to ask - ‘why not?’
If bioethicists believe these ethics only apply to the rich nations of the world - then I have to question their ethics.
When is the world going to sit up and take notice? When is the world going to take a stand against real ethical issues? –Lucy Williamson–

And on a different note, how true is this? I think here the person has rightfully landed the hammer where it belongs. Outch.. Right on the nails head.

You need to understand that the concept of mental capacity or “the mind of” is not scientific, it is not exact, and it is not fixed. These assessments are usually made by doctors based on gross evaluations and little extended one-on-one time. When you talk to people who actually work hands on with people with intellectual disabilities (the OTs, the PTs, [I think he means occupational therapists and physical therapists -- RD] educators in a classroom, personal care attendants, etc…) they will all tell you that these assessments are fraught with problems and far from absolutes. Read more…

I think i will dedicate my 2007 for Ashley.