I REFER to a letter from M Burcher (You Say, Wednesday, June 16).

In this letter this person enthuses over an earlier letter from Matthew A Clarke (You Say, Saturday, June 5).

Like myself, Matthew Clarke had the great good fortune to be born male.

Not for us the continual trauma of monthly cycle, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause.

We men should always remember that, if it had not been for the suffering of a woman, we would not be here at all.

I have often heard semi-jocular remarks to the effect that if a great mutation took place in the human race and men suddenly became the ones who brought forth the next generation, homo sapiens would soon cease to be a species on the planet!

I would never have the insolence to tell any woman what she should do with her physique - I suggest Mr Clarke likewise refrains.

D E MARGRETT,

Worcester.