Mercy Killings

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29984, 20 November 1962, Page 3

Mercy Killings

Sir,—Does “A.M." really believe that sentimentality is behind the desire for a mother to have a grossly deformed baby destroyed. Is it not rather compassion, that she would not wish to see so near and dear endure the physical, mental, emotional, and social sufferings which inevitably accompany gross deformity? I have considerable contact with handicapped children Endurance is indeed an appropriate word; many parents minister to such children day and night for 20 or more years. If "A.M." is not already assisting such people I suggest he contacts an association Which works for their welfare He could, perhaps, assist with toileting paralysed cases, or take one into his home for a week to give the mother a muchneeded rest—Yours, etc, G. November 19, 1962.

Sir.—l was shocked by “AM’s.” letter and would like to know if he is qualified to judge. Has he been in close contact with one of these helpless ones? I never forget visiting friends and being taken to see their son of 12, all his years helpless and he grew to manhood the same way How much better if the doctor had neglected that baby at birth—Yours, etc, SYMPATHY. November 19, 1962.