Template:Hangon The Ashley Treatment refers to a highly controversial action by the parents of nine-year old "Ashley X," a child with severe developmental disabilities due to static encephalopathy. Ashley was subjected to a hysterectomy and removal of her developing breasts, in July 2004, and recently-completed estrogen therapy to permanently stunt her growth. Her 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 The Ashley Treatment blog, to explain their reasoning for their decision. In brief, the parents state that they sought such treatment for their daughter's best interests, namely, to enable them to personally continue constant care for her. They believe her consequent smaller size from the treatments, conducted at Seattle's Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center would make this possible. Dr. Arthur Caplan, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Bioethics, is outspoken against "The Ashley Treatment" in an editorial on MSNBC.