Sir, - The recent controversy about organs (or part organs) being removed at post-mortem examination is being misinterpreted and incorrectly judged by the press.
In our opinion it would be negligent not to retain such specimens if the performing pathologist felt it appropriate for immediate or possible later clarification of the cause of the child's death.
In October 1991 our 21-year-old son died suddenly and a post-mortem examination was essential. Unfortunately, the post-mortem did not establish the exact cause of his death. His heart and part of the brain were retained and have been evaluated in several institutions to try and identify the cause.
Daniel is buried in Shanganagh Cemetery and we can certainly relate our sorrows to his grave. It gives us more comfort than cause for upset that a limited amount of his organs are still available for research or new diagnosis. - Yours, etc.,
Daniel G. Kelly, Mch., FRCSI, Geraldine Kelly, Frcs, Herbert Avenue, Dublin 4.