The Tragic Case of Jodie and Mary: Questions about Separating Conjoined Twins

Abstract

The tragic case of conjoined twins Mary and Jodie made news around the world and sent ethicists into speculation. Born in Manchester, England on August 8, 2000, Mary and Jodie's appearance was so unusual and their disabilities so severe that several doctors had to excuse themselves from giving care to the twins. Jodie and Mary were joined at the lower abdomen and shared a spine. Though both twins had nearly a full complement of organs, Jodie's heart and lungs maintained both of their lives since Mary's were not sufficiently developed to pump oxygenated blood. Doctors predicted that Jodie's circulatory system would give out in a matter of weeks under the strain of supporting both girls. It was a decision to rival Solomon's: Should one twin be sacrificed in order to save the other or should both be allowed to perish? In light of medical testimony, a British high court judge ordered that the twins be separated against the wishes of their Catholic parents and the Catholic archbishop of Westminster, Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, who objected to the procedure for a variety of reasons in a tightly argued submission to the court. On November 7,2000, surgeons in St. Mary's Hospital, following the judge's ruling, separated the twins and Mary died. The case raises profound ethical and, indeed, metaphysical questions. Obviously, not all these issues can be addressed here. 1 will limit myself to these three questions: 1) Was the separation of Mary and Jodie intentional killing