Regardless of the various views regarding whether one might classify cleft palate as a serious disability or whether such a condition justifies terminating the life of an unborn baby after six months, I would like to share with your readers our experience.

Out of the blue our daughter was born with a cleft palate 14 years ago and in the early days it was very difficult for her and for us, her parents, especially in managing feeding.

There was surgery to be undertaken at less than one year of age and speech and cosmetic problems to be overcome.

I came home late from work tonight to find my wife and daughter had been out on a shopping spree, my daughter had found her first "little black dress" which she had bought for the Christmas season and she looked fantastic.

We have a bright and happy daughter whom we adore and your story of the late abortion for cleft palate just strikes us as very sad.

It is also worth pointing out that today's techniques for management and support of cleft palate cases and help and guidance for parents is now better than ever before.

DAVID TAIT,

Woodside Avenue South, Green Lane, Coventry.