Sijamski blizanci – od slučaja do slučaja

Abstract

Conjoined twins are identical twins whose bodies are joined in utero. In some cases it is mor-ally permissible to separete them in a surgical procedure but not in all cases. Each individual case must be looked at and decided upon. The issue of surgical separation can be a simple de-cision in one case to a very difficult in another, based on the physical problems the twins have. It is important to share the decision making process with parents and health care profession-als. However, the overall goal, directions and ultimate outcome ofcare mus show respect for the dignity of human life. The decision is complicated by ethical problems involving patient privacy, the allocation of shared organs and in some instances the necessity for one twin to die in order to save the other. The paper describes cases which illustrate some moral and ethical dilemmas regarding separation of conjoined twins.