Letter: Implant and legal aid
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: As the solicitor to whom a very limited legal aid certificate has been granted to investigate the cause of the baby Danielle Bowler's illness, I view with some amazement the claim of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons that the grant of legal aid in such circumstances is pandering to "junk science" ("Plea to Irvine over legal aid for breast implant woman", 19 January).
The purpose of a limited legal aid certificate is to fund the gathering of evidence, not to pander to it. Specialist solicitors are well capable of conducting a forensic examination of an individual's medico-legal complaint and I will do so in this case without bowing to unsubstantiated claims by anyone, least of all those with a vested interest in cosmetic surgery. As a lawyer, I rely for medical advice on experts in the relevant field. I certainly would not seek the opinion of a plastic surgeon on a matter of paediatric disease or pathology.
PAUL BALEN
Freeth Cartwright Hunt Dickins
Nottingham
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments