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Small Mercies

By limiting the growth of their severely disabled daughter, her parents say that her quality of life will improve. Detractors claim it�s an infringement of human rights. Ashley is at the centre of a global debate, but can there be a definitive answer? By Sheila McLean, professor of ethics at Glasgow University

THE world knows her only as Ashley: the girl who will never grow up. At nine years old, she is 4'5'' and weighs almost five-and-a-half stone.