The family of young Katie Thorpe finds itself in a similar position to the parents of Ashley, the American girl, whose parents decided to limit her physical development - in effect, keeping her a child for life.

Ashley's parents have been vilified for their decision. Katie's family, in contrast, never had the option.

Nevertheless, mum Alison Thorpe has gone out of her way to voice support Ashley's parents. Given such a choice herself, she says she would, at least, have considered it.

Growth-stunting, for want of a less ugly term, has never been practiced in Britain, so the arguments here remain hypothetical. This hasn't prevented a lineup of self-styled British experts damning the process, on the grounds of human rights infringement.

But the voice we should listen is that of Katie's mum. Who can forget her response: "I'm Katie's expert and I challenge any so-called expert out there to tell me they know what's best for my daughter rather than me."

She is right. It is indeed for the parents who devote their lives to children such as Katie and Ashley to make the hard decisions - not those who pontificate on theoretical human rights, distant from a real-life child.