Letter: Down's syndrome: litigation, inspiration, and the problems of choice
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I fully agree with the sentiments expressed in your leading article today (24 August) condemning the practice of defensive medicine. However, you are wrong in implying that it is a problem which is confined to the United States. Unfortunately doctors in the UK have for many years been coming under more and more pressure to perform more intensive investigations and procedures simply in order to minimise the risk of litigation. This trend has been fuelled by an increasingly unrealistic expectation of the capability of modern medicine, in both the general public and those members of the legal profession who sit in judgment on such cases.
This, coupled with the absence of any form of compensation for the tragic victims of medical accidents except for that obtained by suing the medical staff involved, means that the situation will only get worse.
Yours faithfully,
JOHN LEIGH
Harraton, Tyne and Wear
24 August
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments