Sir, - I refer to the report on the abortion hearings (The Irish Times, May 5th) quoting Dr Brian Denham's submission in which he stated: "It is a sad fact that where two children in a family are affected by cystic fibrosis, both will do less well and their lives will be shorter than where a single child is so affected."
As a parent of two young boys with cystic fibrosis, I find this statement hurtful and seriously question its validity - as I am sure , would many other families in the same position. Our children are bright, happy and living relatively normal and healthy lives. While they require considerable care and attention, it is given willingly and unreservedly.
Contrary to Dr Denham's prediction of exhausted parents and the devastating effect on family life, ours is a happy little family unit which certainly has nothing in common with that bleak scenario. Dr Denham's statement that the amount of care that a second chronically ill child required inevitably detracted from the level of care given to the first is also hard to swallow. Our second little boy certainly does not in any way detract from the care of his older brother; if anything, their lives are enhanced through having each other and sharing their experiences. We, and many families like us, adore our children, make the most of every day and feel lucky and privileged in our lives. While I appreciate Dr Denham's effort to bring choices to families who need or require them, blanket statements such as those quoted above can be really hurtful to families who have already made their own choices. - Yours, etc.,
Fiona Bodels, Church Road, Bunclody, Co Wexford.