THE originators of the Abortion Act were probably filled with intentions which seemed good to them, but what we have had is millions of deaths before birth.

Now we are being asked to consider legalising assisted suicide or euthanasia where anyone judged to be, or who judges themself to be, an expense, a burden or of little value, is to be considered appropriate for a death before their time.

Assisted suicide means involving others.

Doctors, nurses, families and friends would be under unnecessary pressure to decide to administer death.

Those in the medical profession whose consciences forbade such a thing would leave the profession and we would be left with those in favour.

We should give every encouragement to the hospices to expand their influence and our knowledge of what they can do to relieve suffering and the fear of the unknown, and to give comfort and courage to those they care for.

Recent publicity shows also how much we should be doing to provide loving care to the very old in our care homes.

R Knewstub, Blackburn.