This news story came out today and I was surprised that we haven't had a lively discussion about it. It brought to mind some of the ideas we discussed on the "Is circumcision child abuse?" thread.
Ashley is now 9 years old. She was born with unexplained brain damage that has stopped her developing beyond a mental age of 3 months, although she is physically perfect. She can't move herself, sit up or hold her head up, and she will never improve. Her parents noticed signs of puberty 3 years ago, and decided on a course of treatment and surgery that will prevent Ashley ever maturing to physical adulthood. She has had a hysterectomy and breast surgery, and a course of oestrogen to prevent growth. Her parents feel that this is in her best long term interests and will maintain her quality of life.
This website has been put together by Ashley's parents:
http://ashleytreatment.spaces.live.com/
Having read their comments, I still have misgivings about their decision, but I think that they have taken the best course for their daughter. There are huge issues about the rights of disabled people, consent to radical surgery and treatment, and I don't think that Ashley should set a precedent. Every case is different.