Re A (Children) (Conjoined Twins: Surgical Separation).

Abstract

Great Britain, Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 22 September 2000 [date of decision]. The Court of Appeal denied the parents' appeal of a lower court decision that the surgical separation of conjoined twins would be lawful. If separated, Jodie could live an independent life, but Mary would die because her life depended on Jodie's circulatory system. Without separation, Jodie's heart would fail within months, and then both twins would die. The parents refused consent to surgery. Under family law, in a best interests analysis, the court balanced the right to life for each twin and granted permission to operate as the least detrimental choice. Under criminal law, taking into account the principle of the sanctity of life, a second balancing test of the twins' rights led the court to conclude the lesser evil would be to operate.