The ethics of separating conjoined twins: two arguments against

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Pediatric Surgery
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Conjoined twins present complex ethical dilemmas regarding surgical separation.
• Decisions about separation often occur in infancy or early childhood, before full cognitive development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue against the ethical permissibility of separating conjoined twins in infancy or early childhood.
• To analyze the ethical considerations across different types of conjoined twin cases.

Main Methods:

• Ethical argumentation based on case typologies (lethal abnormalities in one, both, or neither).
• Philosophical analysis of quality of life, personal autonomy, and the "goods of conjoinment."
• Consideration of sacrifice separation and moral dilemmas.

Main Results:

• Separation is unethical when both twins have lethal abnormalities as it offers no benefit.
• Separation is unethical when neither twin has lethal abnormalities due to the loss of unique life benefits.
• Sacrifice separation is generally unethical, though moral dilemmas may arise.

Conclusions:

• Separating conjoined twins is unethical before they can express their desires based on developed personalities.
• The potential for a unique quality of life while conjoined must be respected.
• Ethical decisions require consideration of the twins' future autonomy and well-being.