EDITOR,--Guru Nandan's report of 11 women in India who were forced to have a hysterectomy highlights the appalling ethical standards of some Third World countries.1 It is encouraging that some Indian doctors have protested against the decision to carry out these operations.

Over the past year I have received letters from 11 women who have been subjected to a hysterectomy against their will in British hospitals. They have written to me after learning that I underwent a similar experience. I am a medical writer and editor and therefore better placed than most women when it comes to standing up for myself. Two …