Re A

"jodie" and "mary"

joined at abdomen

jodie had a good chance of healthy life mary was weaker (no heart/lung function, blind, disability) - much worse prognosis

if not seperated - both would die after 3-6 months (jodie couldnt work for two) if seperated - mary would die

parents devout catholics - didn't want seperation - god did this deliberately mum came to manchester when pregnant as knew conjoined

community v religious and poor resources - could they support a severely disabled child?

Greater Healthcare Manchester - wanted courts to legally allow seperation surgery

What are ethical and legal issues for parents?

Legal

Ethical

Acts versus omissions: E + L Manner of death - "natural" death: E Right to life: L Who should consent to operations: L How much weight should you give to medical evidence, how certain are we?: E What is the best interests of Mary/Jodie, how do you reconcile competing interests?: E What is the underlying intention of the act?: L Issues of bodily integrity?: E Religious role: E Parental Responsibility: L Duty of care of state: L Quality of life: E Is Mary a person?????????????

Read up Gracie Attard

Marieme & Ndeye Case - watch documentary