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CNN Sunday Morning

Fate of Conjoined Egyptian Twins Remains Uncertain

Aired August 25, 2002 - 08:05   ET

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

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: In Texas, the fate of Egyptian twin boys joined at the crown of their heads remains uncertain. Doctors are waiting to speak to their father before deciding whether to separate the boys surgically. The tighter security following 9-11 is making it difficult for their father to even enter the U.S., a road block that's prompting some members of Congress to get involved now. More now from Dawn Tongish from our affiliate KDAF in Dallas.
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DAWN TONGISH, KDAF CORRESPONDENT (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 (ph) and Ebrehim (ph).

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

TONGISH: Before making that very difficult decision, doctors want to talk face-to-face with the boys' Egyptian parents. The twins' father is making plans to come to Dallas, but now there's a holdup.

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

TONGISH: In the wake of 9/11, visitor visas are being scrutinized with more intensity. Access from men from suspect countries 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've contacted the American consul in Egypt and asked for an expedited visa for the father.

TONGISH: Congressman Martin Frost, who has been asked to intervene, believes the twins' situation is so severe the visa will ultimately be granted.

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

TONGISH: Doctors say the boys, so far, are thriving, but with separation, one or both of them may not survive. And some believe that weighty decision should only be made by a parent. In this case, a father.

(on camera): And a lot of people are now getting involved in helping that father get his visa. Besides Congressman Frost, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison is now offering to do whatever she can.

In Dallas, Dawn Tongish, WB39 News.

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