A Case of Conjoined Twins

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews a case in Britain where, from medical opinion, one conjoint twin has the capacity to live separated from its twin who cannot survive; but, if the twins are not separated, both will die. The parents opposed the separation. The author states that there is no legal precedent for this particular case. The paper reports that six weeks after the opinion of the Court, the twins were separated after the team of physicians was assured they would not be prosecuted for murder, if and when the weaker child died, which she did and the stronger girl survived.

From the Paper:

"This case is unique to Britain because the precedents and existing laws differ from those in the U.S. "In the United States, the decision of the parents would have been final unless the physician or state could have persuaded a judge that this was a case of child neglect." (Annas 2000 1104) Another factor in the case is that Britain, rather than another country, was chosen by the parents, "Eastern Europeans"(who)came here for the birth to give their daughters "the very best chance in the very best place," said their attorney." (Barr 2000 1).

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