In a normal foetus, only one sperm fuses with an egg. In the case of identical twins, however, an anomaly occurs, causing the embryo to separate. When the division of the developing zygote into 2 embryos occurs, 99% of cases occur within 8 days of fertilization. However, if the division of the zygote occurs later than the 8 days, then conjoined twins are usually the result.
Only a quarter of the conjoined twins in the world survive on their first day after birth. Having shared organs, most of the time, only one of the twins would be able to survive after surgery – the one who has most of the organs and is stronger. For Mary and Jodie, having a shared heart and lungs means that only one would be able to survive after surgery. In this case, since the heart and lungs are formed in Jodie’s body, it already increases the chances of survival for Jodie. However, in many other conjoined twins, doctors have to decide which organ should belong to which twin.
Life, indeed, when created, should not be severed. Nevertheless, Mary, being the weaker twin, is totally dependent on her sister Jodie for blood and oxygen. Without surgery, there is an 80% chance that both would die, whereas with surgery, Jodie has a high chance of survival while Mary would have to be sacrificed. Even though some may argue that they should wait and “let God decide”, it is essential to consider the perspective of the twins, and consider removing one to save the other.
Without separation through surgery, the twins would need to depend on each other for survival. Without one, the other dies as well, unless they are surgically removed after the death of one of the twins. In some cases of conjoined twins, if vital organs were not shared, surgery could separate the twins easily. However, such as for Mary and Jodie, surgery would seal the fate of the weaker twin.
Though in the eyes of law, all life are equal and one does not outweigh the other, Mary, being the parasitic twin, needs to be sacrificed to save Jodie. Mary lives on borrowed time and is incapable of independent survival. Her birth itself has already sealed her fate. If one can die to save the other, why let both die? Jodie, having undergone surgery, could be of normal intelligence and be able to walk, have children and enjoy an average life expectancy.
Ethnically, it is inhumane to murder one of the twins, but also, morally, it is inhumane to not save at least one of the twins and let both die.
Posted by Ying Teng.
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