WENDY Higgins of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (Swindon Advertiser October 17) can afford to be outraged that the Vatican has approved as morally acceptable the use of animal organs for humans.

After all, it isn't her life at stake and animal research abolitionist groups like the BUAV have never shown any consideration for the right of seriously ill patients.

Seriously Ill for Medical Research (SIMR) asked the major religions for their views on animals in medical research and discovered that they all either actively supported the use of animals in medical research or were tolerant towards those who conduct such research.

As a committed Christian with a keen interest in safeguarding future medical progress I found such a stand reassuring.

THOMAS BROMLEY

(SIMR Member)

Littlehampton

West Sussex