In 2006, parents of a severely disabled girl known only as “Ashley” went public about their decision to submit her to a hysterectomy, breast surgery and drugs to keep her forever small. One year after going public, they said the surgeries were the right decision.

“Thankfully, the ‘Ashley treatment’ went smoothly, and it has been successful in every expected way. Her recovery from surgery was quick and uneventful, the scars are barely visible,” Ashley’s parents said in an interview with CNN.

Ashley is now 10 years old and, at 4 feet and 5 inches tall, has achieved her full height and weight, 63 pounds.

“Ashley did not grow in height or weight in the last year, she will always be flat-chested, and she will never suffer any menstrual pain, cramps or bleeding.”

Ashley was born with a condition described as static encephalopathy, or cerebral palsy. Doctors described her mental capacity as that of a 6-month-old, dependent upon her parents to meet every need. She is able neither to talk, nor to walk and she is fed through a tube and wears diapers.

By the time Ashley was 6, her parents approached Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, for the operations. They believed that keeping Ashley small would make it easier to cuddle and carry a child who can do little more than lie propped on a pillow.

In 2004, Children's Hospital performed a hysterectomy, removed Ashley's breast buds and gave her high-dose estrogen to retard growth and sexual maturation -- a procedure that has risks, but to date has not harmed her, her parents say.

The Ashley’s case has been the subject of controversy since it was first revealed to the public. Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle later said the surgeries violated state laws and the doctor, who treated the girl, committed suicide.

However, Ashley’s parents remain convinced what they did for their daughter is the most loving choice they could have made and want that for other disabled children as well.

“As parents we have a sacred duty to do what we believe is right for our children. If parents of children like Ashley believe that this treatment will improve their children's quality of life, then they should be diligent and tenacious in providing it for them.

“We feel that if our time and effort ended up helping a single pillow angel... then it is worthwhile.”

Photo Credit: Parents’ Web Site