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Related Experiment Videos

One into two will not go: conceptualising conjoined twins.

M Q Bratton1, S B Chetwynd

  • 1The Chaplaincy, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK. cpsad@csv.warwick.ac.uk

Journal of Medical Ethics
|June 3, 2004
PubMed
Summary

This study examines the ethical and philosophical considerations of conjoined twins separation surgery. It proposes viewing conjoined twins as distinct individuals sharing a body, advocating for a nuanced approach to separation that acknowledges potential losses.

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Right to life, right to die and assisted suicide.

Journal of applied philosophy·2004
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Area of Science:

  • Medical Ethics
  • Bioethics
  • Philosophy of Medicine

Background:

  • Controversial judicial decisions regarding separation surgery for conjoined twins.
  • Critique of legal conceptualizations viewing conjoined twins as 'entangled singletons'.
  • Societal unease with bodily configurations challenging personal sovereignty.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge problematic philosophical and biological notions of human intention.
  • To propose a model for understanding conjoined twins as distinct individuals sharing a body.
  • To advocate for a re-evaluation of separation surgery decisions and their implications.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis of ethical and legal frameworks.
  • Conceptual analysis of individuality and personhood in conjoined twins.
Keywords:
Analytical ApproachDeath and EuthanasiaHealth Care and Public HealthPhilosophical ApproachRe A (Children) (Conjoined Twins: Surgical Separation)

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  • Review of case studies and judicial decisions.

    • Main Results:

    • Conjoined twins can be conceptualized as two psychologically separate individuals sharing a body.
    • Separation surgery should not be viewed adversarially, but as a shared problem.
    • The decision for separation must acknowledge both gains and losses.

    Conclusions:

    • A nuanced ethical framework is needed for conjoined twins' separation, moving beyond an 'all costs' approach.
    • Recognizing shared bodily experience is integral to conjoined twins' individuality.
    • Ethical and legal traditions' emphasis on sovereignty may unduly influence decisions regarding conjoined twins.