[syhprum (OP)]

I fear I might be treading on dangerous ground asking this question but I would like to see discussion of the subject.
Certain London hospitals namely Great Ormand street have built a reputation for separating conjoined twins and multiple organ transplants on new born infants.
Why is this done ? the cost of such procedures vastly exceeds the cost of replacing the infants and a few conjoined twins can live satisfactory lives.
The ethical view is of course that each human life is of near infinite value but of course this view is not shared by the military, insurance companies, abortion clinics and even town councils planning road works.
As the operations are often carried out on members of relatively poor countries free of charge I get the impression it is done for propaganda purposes to show what a wonderful health service we have. 

[abrooks051]

Two answers. One. The operations are performed because they can be. All those involved are receiving more knowledge about the patient(s) and ways to adapt systems to benefit both siblings.  Two. It really sucks when you go on a date and your conjoined twin hates your date choice. :-)   (Sorry, I had to throw a little comedy into an otherwise very serious subject.

[syhprum (OP)]

Will head/body transplants be performed when they are considered possible ?

[abrooks051]

I have known many people who could use a "brain" transplant so hopefully, yes.  :-)

[syhprum (OP)]

Much excitement because we are building two Proton beam cancer treatment facilities (so that patients do not have to go to America or the Prague), a better use for money than separating conjoined twins.

[abrooks051]

Syhprum
Sounds good. Thanks for the input.

[Bored chemist]

"Why are conjoined twins separated?"
Compassion.

[Faltuh]

yes why

[Petrochemicals]

They had to find a donor, the twins most recent should have had the opperatiin earlier but no donor was present. This has endangered the twins and caused complications.