If a hysterectomy was preformed what about the long term effects of putting a child or any other young person come to that, in to effectively a menopausal state some thing a young body is not designed to do. She would HAVE to have hormone treatment to prevent the side effects, hot flushes, osteoporosis extra. The parents want this just to make their lives easier not for a medical reason. The girl’s life is not in danger. She will not die. Millions of females have to experience this natural biological event for a number of years, this includs other disabled individuals. She might or might not experience period discomfit but it can be controlled. Yes it means that she has to be cleaned but as she is incontinent anyway what difference will it make. I salute the doctors in saying no.

judy, croydon, uk

The right decision to make, it's just such a shame that the mother felt that this was a viable option in the first place. It does raise the question as to just how much practical help/support the mother has been receiving in meeting Katie's 24 hour a day care needs if she felt unable to cope to the extent of wishing her daughter to endure such a drastic operation to make her own life easier.

Liz, Dorset, England

It was wrong and disgusting when similar operations were actually performed on another young girl a couple of years ago in the USA, and it is just as wrong and disgusting now in this case. I salute the doctors for taking a stand.

Mike Mitchell, Spalding, England

i'm sorry? she a *right* to menstruate?
the girl is not ever going to have children - how is her 'right' to pregnancy affected?

amanda, london, uk

re view of p s simon London. The mirena coil would need to be changed regularly. They often last 5 years, but this is not always the case. The child may have pain during and after the fitting, as so often happens. Her family will not always be there to look out for her. Having a hysterectomy now may prevent an unplanned baby being taken into care at a later date

Adele, Herts

Adele, Herts,

Well......hysterectomy has its own risks including haemorrahge and sepsis. Also there is a risk of embolism following the surgery.Then there is a risk of anaesthesia to consider. I dont think the mother should refuse to consider other reversible hormonal methods to prevent menstruation and pregnancy. Hysterectomy is not the only option. She should discuss the other options with her GP in the best interest of the patient.

Dr A Shaikh, South Normanton, UK

I cant believe the coments here and the attitudes, especially the one saying that she should not have children!! That is disgusting, unles we are trying to create a master race like Hitler these days?

As for it being difficult for the parents, they have been offered contraceptive pills which stop periods and the risks from a hysterectomy far outweigh risks from taking the pill, so it is totally unjustifiable to do such major, and extremely painful surgery on a person who is already suffering on the request of parents. What a dangerous precedent that would bring about, let alone the fac that it is unnecessary as she can just take a daily pill to solve this problem.

I am so shocked at the comments though. But very glad that at least Doctors have some ethical standards.

Clare, Cambs, UK

I think they should let her have the hysterectomy. As previous comments failed to Read the artical correctly.. she is high risk for thrombosis and other side effects that artificial hormonal contraceptive would induce.. AND urm her wanting children.. errrr.. hello.. she cant walk or talk and is incontinent.. would you really think it was in her best interest to have a baby.

Come on people lets be real.. this girls better off not having to suffer the indignity of Menstruation. Lets give her mother the right to make her choices!..

Sarah, Rhondda, UK

The medical profession seems to often get caught up in its own ethical nonsense. The bottom line should always be what is best for the patient. In this case it would seem the mother is an extremely dedicated person, facing a huge burden and apparently doing remarkably well. In this case the mothers view should prevail.

Miles, whangarei, New Zealand

These people have no idea of what life someone with Cerebral Palsy has.. We completely understand as we too have a daughter aged 15 with this condition.. We are facing the same issue.. These children will never have the ability to comprehend or be able to decide to have children. So much for an understanding environment that we are living in. Thank heavens that these people that make the decisions will never have to live with pain and suffering of the families and children in this position.. They would never understand...!

Paul Duncan, Oswestry, Shropshire

Does anyone want this young girl to become pregnant? Absolutely NOT. The best way to prevent this would be a hysterectomy. To spout that it is against her "civil rights" is a bunch of bunk. The NHS is just trying to not spend the money.

PAT, Yeovil, UK

At last doctors are considering ethical implications of treatment.
Medical techniques have advanced so far and so fast in the last 30 years or so that we are now in a situation where inappropriate treatment is given purely because it can , and worse because of the threat of litigation if it isn't.
There is now a need for the ethical implications of medical research and treatment to be considered.
My personal view is that doctors should consider the words of the Hippocratic oath "... shall not strive , officiously to keep alive".
Certainly we require open and informed debate on these matters with doctors, lawyers and most importantly laypeople to lay down guidelines for medical treatment in the 21st century.

Howard, Basildon, England

Hooray! Menstruation is not an "indignity", it's what makes us women.

Liz, Bristol, UK

why don't they give her a Mirena coil?
Reversible and will stop periods.

p s simon, London,

yes i think she should have the hysterectomy if she would have a better quality of life i can see the doctors point her only 15 maybe she will want to be pregnent in years to come doctors are all for new life but in this case its not on god bless her

mrs mary mcdonnell, birmingham uk, england