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Attempt to Separate Conjoined Twins on Hold Until Father Arrives

Aired August 26, 2002 - 12:35   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: In Texas, an attempt to separate conjoined twins is on hold until their father arrives. He is thousands of miles away.
Reporter Dawn Kongis (ph) from affiliate KDAF brings us the story now from Dallas.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAWN KONGIS (ph), KDAF REPORTER (voice-over): Doctors are turning to the power of prayer to make what could be a life and death decision on separating Egyptian twins Mohammed and Ibrahim.

DR. KENNETH SALYER, PLASTIC SURGEON: Knowing the statistics, the changing are way against getting two normal children. So it's a tough decision.

KONGIS (ph): Before making that very difficult decision, surgeons want to talk face-to-face with the boy's Egyptian parents. The twin's father is making plans to come to Dallas, but now, there is a hold-up.

SUE BLACKWOOD, CRANIOFACIAL FOUNDATION: He falls in the range of a birth date in 1971, and they are not allowing people that were men that were born on -- in the year of '71 visas.

KONGIS: In the wake of 9-11, visitors visas are being scrutinized with more intensity. Access for men from suspect country who fit the profile is being delayed or denied. And, we're told by Immigration officials, the State Department has wide latitude to stall any visa request.

REP. MARTIN FROST (D), TEXAS: I have contacted the American consul in Egypt and asked for an expedited visa for the father.

KONGIS (ph): Congressman Martin Frost, who has been asked to intervene, believes the twin's situation is so severe, the visa will ultimately be granted.

FROST: I think that once the government officials fully understand what is going on here, I don't think there is any real fear, shouldn't be any real fear of terrorism.

KONGIS (ph): Doctors say the boys, so far, are thriving. With separation, one or both of them may not survive. Some believe that weighty decision should only be made by a parent, in this case, a father.

And a lot of people are now getting involved in helping that father get his visa. Besides Congressman Frost, Senator Hutchinson is now offering to do whatever she can.

In Dallas, Dawn Kongis (ph), WB39 News.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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