SIR -- We write with regard to the article, Parents being urged to consider autopsy (Oxford Mail, December 9).

It appears that the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust has again used the term 'retained for research' as an excuse for the countrywide practice of organs and/or tissue retention at post mortem.

We are aware that very few samples retained at post mortem were used for research.

We know of cases where retained organs and/or tissue have been left on the shelf for many years, never having been looked at.

Families should not be pressured into giving consent to a post mortem, purely on the grounds that research may help them or other families in the future. It is time the NHS trusts gave a definitive response to tell the public that what is stored has been used for research.

Legacy Faborio is not against retention so long as fully informed consent has been given.

Where it is not forthcoming, the wishes of those families should be respected.

For further information, you can contact me by telephoning or faxing 01993 706001.

SHARON MURRANT

Secretary

Legacy Faborio

(Families Affected by Organ

Retention in Oxfordshire)

Bourton Close

Witney