The Ashley X treatment – Join us to defend disabled children's rights
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In a society that largely ignores disabled people, it has been hard to avoid the recent controversy about Ashley X, the American child who received radical medical and surgical treatment to prevent her from growing to adulthood. We understand that the parents of disabled children face tough decisions to do what's best for their child. Often families do not receive the vital funding and support they need to ensure that they and their disabled child are not disadvantaged.
But we are committed to equality for disabled people and believe that everyone, regardless of their impairment or needs, has full and equal human rights.
Central to these human rights is that disabled children should not be prevented from growing into adults through medical intervention. That people believe this drastic and degrading action is necessary not only exposes the continuing prejudice against disabled people, but also highlights the everyday struggle that their families face. As a result of social barriers, prejudices and inadequate service provision, these families suffer from the financial hardship, stress and anxiety that can lead to such extreme decisions.
If we are to prevent potential abuse of the human rights of disabled children in the future then the government must face up to the pressure families are under and increase the money and support available to them. Our society must adapt to the needs of all children, disabled and non-disabled alike. Children must not be adapted to fit our society.
We demand that the government provides appropriate and adequate support to disabled people and their families and prohibits similar medical interventions in the UK.
If you agree with us, we urge you to add your voice to our campaign to defend disabled children's human rights.
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Read some of the stories in the media about the Ashley X case