Re: Conjoined twins- to separate or not?

JustJazzmom · ‎03-09-2010

This is a very difficult situation to decide. Hopefully the good Lord will take this decision into His Hands.

☼The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. GBShaw☼

Lagan · ‎01-11-2011

Did she know their condition before they were born?

Shorty2U · ‎03-09-2010

Its a hard decision that one can not make unless they are in this situation. But I believe I would separate them because I would be thinking of their future. What kind of lives will they have? Who will take care of them when the parents are gone if they even live that long?

PS I was originally from the area in PA of the Schappell conjoined twins. I used to see them at the malls. They are joined at the head and do lead pretty normal lives but the one has spina bifida I believe? They have been on various talk shows.

Well anyway to be honest, I cant imagine making this decision.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make~ The Beatles

Yuban3 · ‎03-10-2010

There have been conjoined twins that lead normal lives. There's a pair of girls, I can't think of their names, but they've had programs about them on tv. A few years ago, there was a show, that showed them graduating college, and getting their teaching credentials, and getting a job. It showed them learning how to drive. Anyone know who I am talking about?

Anyway, I don't think I could sacrifice one child for another. That's like "Sophie's Choice". Can you imagine, that one dies, and the other goes to live a long life, knowing that YOU made a decision, knowing that their twin was going to die?

I would not blame that child for being angry at the parents, for, in essence, killing their twin.

I can imagine the child saying, "I'd rather have a short life, being with my twin, than a long life without them."

And I wouldn't blame the kid for feeling that way at all.

Plus, (I think) if you asked conjoined twins if they want to be separated, most would say, "No".

ETA: The twins that I am thinking of are Abby & Brittney Hensel.

Was Yuban, then changed to Plaid Pants due to forum upgrade, and apparently, I'm back to being Yuban.

aprilskies · ‎03-09-2010

I agree, I don't think you would know until you are in the situation. What a terrible position to be in. But, my first response would be yes. The way they are joined is tough. How could they even function as they got older. I would want to give one of them a chance, if possible. How heartbreaking for them.

RINGER · ‎03-10-2010

There are soooo many things involved in this decision one of which is researching what conjoined twins feel about always having someone attached to them with no privacy whatsoever, and the list goes on. Having been a twin (mine died 4 years ago) Icould not imagine being a conjoined twin and think it would be kinder to let one child die but that is just my take. There is NOT a good solution whether or not they remain conjoined in my opinion!! I would also of course talk with the doctors and see if a transplant of an infant could be put into the other twin and then both could live--yet more thoughts on such an excruciating decision, but maybe this could be a possible decision??

Thoughts and prayers to anyone that is dealing with this!

Cakers1 · ‎03-09-2010

On 5/7/2014 shoekitty said:
I would like to add. Although it seems sad and unfair, it will work out. They are most likely doing the "right thing", because they are following their hearts. They seems certain of the choice they have made.

We are given certain challenges in life, although invariably some have it worse than others. I believe those challenges are given to those can handle them. They may not think they can handle it at the time . When we look back on people who had huge choices and challenges to take on...they not only made the best choice, they made the best of it. And everyone was better for it. JMHO.

I wish them both the gift of strength and peace.

Very heartfelt post.

Madame Lorrraine · ‎04-27-2014

I have no idea what I'd do and that's probably why God has never put me into this kind of situation--you know, not giving you more than you can deal with, etc. I thank Him for His wisdom every day.

DoneTryin · ‎03-09-2010

I'm glad I've never had to deal with anything like that myself or in my family. It sounds like they probably don't have long anyway, so the parents will just have to love & care for them as long as the higher power allows them. My thoughts go out to them.