Italian cardinal offers twins' family 'safe haven'

An Italian cardinal last night offered a "safe haven" to the family of the Siamese twins involved in last week's controversial High Court ruling to separate them and let one die.

An Italian cardinal last night offered a "safe haven" to the family of the Siamese twins involved in last week's controversial High Court ruling to separate them and let one die.

The parents of "Jodie and Mary", who are opposed to the decision, can take up "indefinite and completely free medical services" as well as an apartment in an Italian hospital, as soon as they wish, according to the ProLife Alliance. It has been in talks with Cardinal Ersilio Tonini, Archbishop Emeritis of Ravenna, in north-east Italy, who has offered the family an "ethical alternative".

In a statement, the ProLife Alliance said: "The ProLife Alliance believes that the family involved should be offered the possibility to avail themselves of help from a European country which respects their wishes."

Official Solicitor Jim Baker, who is representing the twin who would die, has been considering an appeal against the High Court ruling. A decision is expected early this week.