12 JANUARY 1991, Page 18

Sir: I would like to add one observation to Amanda

Craig's excellent article about the process of abortion. It may be impossible for a foetus of 24 weeks to scream, but it is quite possible for a foetus of 231/2 weeks to grasp an adult's finger. I know, as my baby daughter of that age held my little finger, and those of her two uncles, on and off for four hours as she quietly died following a natural spontaneous premature labour.

Victor Lyon

20 Foskett Road, London SW6