General Chat

Conjoined twins have been born in Iraq, they need to be seperated as soon as possible but In Iraq they dont have the facilities to do such an op. Dont you think either the British or American government should Pay for them to have the op done either in The U.K or in America? I do!!

Um! Thats a hard one! Think we probably should seeing the country's in a mess and they are only babies but think a country should normally pay for treatment for their own Norah

it is hard to yes that GB should pay, or treat the babies ,when so many of our own waiting lists are so long that we cant treat our ownpeople that need essential ops

I think they should be treated here or in the USA why? Because at the end of the day it is experince for the doctors who do this is kind of work and in the long run everyone will learn from the operation and in turn this may help save someone elses child you could know. I'm due for a scan in about 10 days and if I found out I was going to a problem like that I would hope that someone out there had the experience to help me. Lou

Roxanne, I agree with you! Lindy :))

My first reaction is NO, but these children deserve a chance of life for they live in a country where they will be most likely shunned for life if left untreated. Hopefully surgeons will do the op privatly by waiving their fee., so their is no need for the children to 'Jump' the Nhs que A child is a child. Elaine x

Yes because they are in need and we can help and isn't that what humanity is about? Julie xxx

What a co-incidence, I was explaining about conjoined twins to Charlotte last night. She is reading a book about twins (Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson) and it said their shadow was 'Siamese' - of course she didn't understand, so it was time for a long explanation. Its not until you have kids that you realise how much you actually know! Maz. XX

I think when it comes to children, then if it is possible to do something it should be done and beggar the cost. No child choses where to be born, these sort of things make me feel that geographically I was lucky to be in Britain, even if it isn't perfect. Two teeny harmless babies, should receive what help can be given, anywhere.

Roxanne I am trying to find more info about this to show Charlotte, but there is nothing on the net - can you point me to anything please? Maz. XX

Maz, If you're looking for specific information on conjoined twins try this: http://www(.)conjoined-twins(.)i-p(.)com/ Kim

Thanks Kim, sorry I should have made it clear, I was going to look for this particular story. Will have a look at that site though and see if it is suitable for her (she's 9). Thanks! Maz. XX

Some conditions are so rare that there are only a handful of specialists in the world who can treat them. In 2003 there were Iranian adult twins who had the operation to separate them. Sadly, both died, but that was not the fault of the Iranian doctors. We talk about US and UK doctors as if the rest of the world still used ground woodlice and rusty knives, but there are many countries who could help them. But what a PR excercise if it were the West.

Hi Maz, I see Kim beat me to it. Roxanne x I think any child in need should have the chance of life, We in The west have the ability, we should in my opinion give these babies a chance, isent that what life is all about?, after all we attacked Iraq, I would think this would be a could start to healing, In my very humble opinion!! Whatever our political views, a child where ever born is innocent !

Hi Roxanne, sorry but the site Kim gave is a general one and doesn't have the details of this particular case. Just wondered whether you saw the news of it online so I could show it to Charlotte? Thanks! Maz. XX sorry I don't mean to make a saga out of this!

Hi Maz, I just happen to see it on T.V This afternoon, Im sur it will be on the B.B.C news site, Sorry I cant help More. Rox xx

I've just seen the news report about thes twin and what I'm hearing and everything I have ever learnt about conjoined twins just don't add up. These twind are male and female (one of each) but conjoined twins are identical teins that didn't completely split in to 2 children. I can see the need for them to be seperated but I don't think the UK should be expected to do it! There are plenty of wealthy countries in the world other than the UK that could offer to do the op. We have enough problems with the NHS as it is but these babies will need on going care. Between them they have 3 kidneys and only 2 viable legs and 2 roudamentary legs. I don't know of any stories that could be used to illistrate conjoined twins to a 9 year ols as most of the stories end in tragady. Although there is one Simpsons episode where Bart has a conjoined twin and they both live.

thanks Roxanne I will look there :-)) Maz. XX

Just found this one that might help - it has the story of the original siamese twins Chung and Eng. http://www.twinstuff*com/conjoined.htm

I don't think in this case it's a case of the country with the most money...........shouldn't it be the country with the best doctor in this kind of field. I for one would want them to have the best possible chance of serviving.........which would mean the best doctors and a lot of praying!!