Twins ConjoinedAttard

British-born conjoined twins delivered by Caesarean section and joined at the abdomen with their spines fused. Gracie was the stronger of the girls. Doctors wanted to separate the girls to save Gracie but doing so would likely result in Rosies death. The girls parents refused citing their religious beliefs. Medical personnel appealed to the court system which ruled against the parents, but the parents continued to refuse. Finally, after an appeals court ruled again against the parents wishes, the Attards consented. At 9:00 AM on November 7, 2000, surgeons began separating the twins in a procedure that lasted until midnight. At ten past midnight on November 8th, Rosie died. Gracie has thrived. The parents are from Gozo, an island off the coast of Malta. They were able to return with their baby Gracie in June 2001. Read less