30 NOVEMBER 1951, Page 18

The Pope and The Child

SIR,—There are cases occurring in the practice of many doctors when it becomes obvious that on account of an intercurrent disease both mother and child will die unless the pregnancy is terminated, and this before the child is capable of a separate existence, whereas if the pregnancy is terminated the life of the mother is saved. Can we be given an unequivocal answer as to what is the duty of the .doctor under these -circumstances having regard to the Papal pronouncement ?—Yours ,faithfully, NOEL E. WATER L F1ED.