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The Ashley Treatment refers to a controversial set of medical procedures undergone by a Seattle child, "Ashley X". Ashley, born in 1997, has severe developmental disabilities due to static encephalopathy of unknown etiology; she is assumed to be at an infant level mentally and physically. The treatment included growth attenuation via estrogen therapy; hysterectomy, bilateral breast bud removal, and appendectomy. The principal purpose of the treatment was to improve Ashley's quality of life by limiting her growth in size, eliminating menstrual cramps and bleeding, and preventing discomfort from large breasts. The combination of the surgery and the estrogen therapy attracted much public comment and ethical analysis in early 2007, both supportive and condemning. The hospital later admitted that the surgery was illegal and should only have been performed after a court order,〔(Disability Studies at the University of Idaho: The "Ashley Treatment" is ruled illegal )〕 a position that is disagreed upon by the attorney of Ashley's family. Ashley's parents granted their first written interview to CNN Health in March 2008,〔(【引用サイトリンク】 'Pillow angel' parents answer CNN's questions )〕 and their second to ''The Guardian'' in March 2012.〔(【引用サイトリンク】 The Ashley treatment: 'Her life is as good as we can possibly make it' )〕 In addition, ''The Guardian'' published two interviews with mothers of a girl〔(【引用サイトリンク】 The 'Ashley treatment': Erica's story )〕 and a boy〔(【引用サイトリンク】 Growth attenuation treatment: Tom, the first boy to undergo procedure )〕 who had completed the treatment. A TV program and an article tell Charley's story in New Zealand after she concluded the treatment in May 2014. 〔(【引用サイトリンク】 "Sunday" meets parents who decided to keep their daughter small through a rare treatment )〕 〔(【引用サイトリンク】 Let's Talk About Charley )〕 A survey on growth attenuation among pediatric endocrinologists was published in July 2015. 〔(【引用サイトリンク】 Growth attenuation therapy: practice and perspectives of paediatric endocrinologists )〕 〔(【引用サイトリンク】 Growth Attenuation Therapy: Practice & Perspectives of Pediatric Endocrinologists (summary slide) )〕 == Background == Ashley was born with a severe brain impairment of unknown cause, termed a "static encephalopathy" because it has not and will not improve. Although she sleeps and awakens, and breathes on her own, she is unable to raise her head, sit up, hold an object, walk, or talk, and must be tube-fed. Nonetheless, she is alert and responsive to her environment, particularly enjoying the music of Andrea Bocelli. Her parents have nicknamed Ashley "Pillow Angel," because she always remains where she is placed, which is usually on a pillow.〔(【引用サイトリンク】 The "Ashley Treatment" )〕 In 2004 when Ashley was six and a half years old, she began to show signs of puberty〔 and her parents and doctors began to anticipate a variety of issues common in children with severe neurological impairments. As these children grow larger, it takes more strength to move them and provide basic bodily care, raising the risk of pressure sores from immobility. Precocious puberty is common in children with various forms of severe brain damage. The early appearance of secondary sexual characteristics is often distressing to parents and caretakers. Many parents of severely disabled children explore possible ways to avoid having to deal with menstruation and fertility in a diapered child. A variety of treatments have been used over the last several decades to deal with these issues. In July 2004, Ashley had a hysterectomy (to prevent menstruation) and surgical removal of her nascent breast buds (to prevent development). She also underwent an appendectomy. The surgery was performed at Seattle's Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center. In addition, in December 2006 she completed estrogen therapy through dermal patches, which sped up the natural closure of her growth plates. Ashley's story first broke in October 2006, in the ''Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine''. In January 2007, her parents, who wish to remain anonymous, set up a blog to explain their reasoning for their decision and to share their story with families of other children who might benefit.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Ashley Treatment」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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