LONDON, Sep. 7, 00 (CWNews.com)

    Medical experts have supported proposals to separate the pair of Siamese twins at the center of a court battle.

    The Court of Appeal yesterday heard a second team of doctors give their "broad support" to an operation to separate the month-old twins, named Jodie and Mary. The operation is likely to save Jodie but kill her weaker sister.

    The court heard Mary was alive only because she was attached to her "bright and alert" sister and relies on her heart and lung functions.

    Lord Justice Ward, sitting with Lord Justice Brooke and Lord Justice Robert Walker, are hearing the parents' appeal against a High Court decision last month giving permission for the operation to be carried out.

    Lord Justice Ward, said last night that he was having sleepless nights considering whether one baby should die to save her sister. "Do we murder Mary to save Jodie?" He asked. "That may be what you are inviting the court to do."

    The hearing has now been adjourned until September 13.

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