Abstract
This chapter looks at the ethics of separating conjoined twins by first establishing the individual dignity of each twin in light of both philosophical reasoning and how the Church has addressed such cases throughout its history—e.g., each twin being baptized separately. The essay goes on to then analyzes the moral permissibility of separating Jodie and Mary in light of the intentionality involved. The chapter concludes that, since there is no course of action that could benefit both twins, and only one of them is harmed while the other is benefitted, it is permissible to separate the two for the intended end of benefitting Jodie, while tolerating the foreseen side-effect that Mary will die as her separated body will be unable to sustain itself. However, that it would have been improper for Jodie and Mary’s parents to have consented to the separation since they should be equally concerned about the survival and welfare of both children. The fact that it was a judge’s order that ultimately determined the twins’ respective fates was more ethically appropriate.
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Notes
- 1.
Resnick’s (2013, p. 344) translation of Augustine (1955, bk. 16, cap. 8, ll. 53–6): “ante annos aliquot, nostra certe memoria, in oriente duplex homo natus est superioribus membris, inferioribus simplex. nam duo erant capita, duo pectora, quattuor manus, uenter autem unus, et pedes duo, sicut uni homini; et tamdiu uixit, ut multos ad eum uidendum fama contraheret.”
- 2.
This medieval debate finds an analog in contemporary discussions of human identity and individuality. For example, Eric Olson (2014) examines questions such as whether conjoined twins are two organisms but only one person.
- 3.
I have attempted to answer these questions in Kaczor (2003).
- 4.
My own views may be found in Kaczor (2001, 2007).
- 5.
I leave aside a vexing case. What should be done if one adult conjoined twin wishes for separation and the other does not want separation? In cases of profoundly conjoined twins , it could be like Jodie and Mary that both will die if they are not separated, but one can survive and the other die more quickly if they are separated. In such cases, as well as others, what should be done if the twins, both consenting adults, disagree with each other? I leave this good question here unanswered.
- 6.
I am grateful to the James Madison Program at Princeton University for the support provided in writing this essay.
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Kaczor, C. (2017). Is It Ethically Permissible to Separate Conjoined Twins? Murder, Mutilation, and Consent. In: Eberl, J. (eds) Contemporary Controversies in Catholic Bioethics. Philosophy and Medicine(), vol 127. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55766-3_10
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