The matter was referred to the courts because the doctors wanted to operate to save one baby, but the parents refused permission. In such circumstances The state's Social Services would be called in to protect the interests of the children, and ultimately the matter would be referred to the courts for a legal ruling.

I don't think anyone knows how long the single child will live, or what her quality of life will be, these are imponderables. The life expectancy of the twins if not separated is imprecise, but I think not more than a few months, probably less.

Protecting the doctors does not come in to it from a litigation point of view.

The parents religion is clear that life is sacred. In this case that is interpreted as meaning that you may not destroy one life to preserve another. If the babies die it is God's will. Those of us who do not share these beliefs may ask why it should be God's will? But theologically you cannot justify the ways of God to man, nor should you try. This is not a grey area to devout catholics. If the parents agree to the surgery they will be directly responsible for one child's death. If they do not the death of both twins will be God's will. That is the parent's view.