Zoo, I know the two are not similar at all, I just used them as a side by side type thing showing how a "good intent can be messed around and used for evil. "{i dont believe in abortion, but others do and think it a good thing}
Even when the body is in a vegetive state, does the growing and developing{this sounds better,dont you agree } stop ,or does it slow down ? I think the body does continue to grow into what it was meant to be.I do understand why the parents did this,I really do. If she is put into a care facility for people with disabilities, she can be assalted,there are sick people out there and I am sure the parents thought on these things,for her future,if anything happened to them. I am sure they thought they did the right thing for her. I am not downing them for trying to protect their daughter. I want to protect my children from all the evils of this world also. But would I go to this length? I would have to be in that position to even give an answer

The biggest problem or issue they faced was getting hammered by the Christian crowd. They got e-mails(1,000s of them) saying God was going to punish them for what they did to their child. Her parents tried to explain to the christians what they did,the who when where why how,what,....but they still got hammered. Now they just do not respond to the e-mails so they can continue living without having to explain themselves every day.

To be honest if I were asked something such as Do you think God would hold that against you?,I don't know what to say.

Angel, I understand, really.
But what was this little girl's body "meant to be"? A 150 lb incoherent invalid in an institution?
It is not just a matter of protecting their daughter. What they have done has improved her quality of life and isn't that what medicine is about?

In Ashley's case, she is an infant in a body that is outgrowing her, is she not? Had she reached adulthood and grown to 5'8" 140lbs, then how can you take care of her as well? Her brain is not being stunted, it is in, as they say, a static state, right?

Also, Ashley is different from other children who have developmental disabilities because, even though the body is willing, the mind will never grasp the ability to walk, and increased size will only impede her, won't it?

I don't know too much about her, but I am very curious as to how this surgery actually violates some right of hers. Her right to develop as a human? Sure, it is natural, but is it in her best interest to allow the growing gap between her infant-like cognitive function and adult-like body to continue?

I think one newspaper article put it well, the Oregon Emerald I think it was. Her family is doing this because they love her and want to make her as comfortable and as happy as they can, and we will just have to take their word for it.

very well stated, Jenna.... applause!