Last July the Inclusion International Newsletter reported on the investigation into the ''Ashley Treatment'' intervention she suffered to stop her growth. Diane Richler, President of inclusion International decried the treatment as threefold discrimination against Ashley as a person with a disability, a girl and a child. Diane pointed out" Until the Convention is fully ratified and implemented, discrimination against Ashley and millions in similar situations will continue." The Convention specifically recognizes the need for special caution in protecting the rights of women and children, for awareness-raising "including atthe family level...and fostering respect for the rights of persons with a disability", for combating stereotypes, for equal treatment under the law, including supports for decision-making, freedom fromdegrading treatment and the right to 'full physical development'.Today we bring to your attention the case of Alison Thorpe, and her 15 year old daughter Katie, who has cerebral palsy. Alison has asked the doctors in the UK to give her daughter a hysterectomy to help her to live 'pain free without the problems associated with menstruation'. For an audio and video link to an interview with Ms Thorpe visit the ">BBC NEWS website
In a similar case that went to the Supreme Court of Canada. The mother of a young woman sought to have her daughter sterilized. The mother lost the case at the Supreme Court in a precedent setting case the court found that: “Sterilization should never be authorized for non‑therapeutic purposes under the parents patriae jurisdiction. In the absence of the affected person's consent, it can never be safely determined that it is for the benefit of that person. The grave intrusion on a person's rights and the ensuing physical damage outweigh the highly questionable advantages that can result from it. The court, therefore, lacks jurisdiction in such a case.” E. (Mrs.) v. Eve, [1986] 2 S.C.R. 388Date:October 23, 1986
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I do not agree with sterilisation for someone with cerebral palsy -effectively for the convenience of her carers. It reminds me of a long stay hospital I used to work in where people with similar disbilities were underfed for the convenience of the carers -because they were easier to move.
The rhythm of the female body and of menstruation provides some variation to each month just as the seasons provide an external awareness of passing time.
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