WE MUST express our dismay at the apparent ignorant attitude being taken by doctors at the County Hospital (Hereford Times, November 13). While accepting there are two sides to every story, it appears that the doctors involved have made a gross mistake in aborting a child at 24 weeks who would have been born with a cleft lip and palate.

Jack, our son, born at the County Hospital in April 2000, was born with what is probably one of the more severe cases of cleft lip and palate. He is not severely handicapped. He is a perfectly normal three and half year old.

The only (minor) effect on day-to-day life is a very slight speech impediment, which we are working with health care professionals to correct.

We would like to have the advice the doctors received made public - the same advice that allowed them to curtail what would have been a full and happy life.

If anyone involved, including the doctors, would like to meet and speak to Jack or ourselves, we would be more than happy to help.

Stephen and Ruth Christian,

Much Cowarne, Bromyard.