Law: Briefs: Jul. 6, 1981

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A similar but even more vexing case involving deformed Siamese twins is scheduled for a preliminary criminal hearing this week in Illinois. The twins, joined at the waist, have a total of three legs. Their parents, Pamela Schopp and Dr. Robert Mueller, allegedly decided at birth that the twins should be allowed to die. But, though receiving little food, they clung to life. After eight days the state took custody and then brought charges of attempted murder against the twins' parents and their physician. Said Illinois State Attorney Edward Litak: "These kids weren't denied a machine; they were denied ordinary sustenance." No matter how the prosecution turns out, someone, most likely a judge, faces a tough decision: Should the twins be separated, with the prospect of almost certain death for one, or should they be left alone, possibly resulting in the death of both?

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