Siamese Twin Girls Are Born

Siamese twin girls born joined at the abdomen were in stable condition Thursday while doctors at Stanford University Medical Center tried to evaluate whether they can perform a safe separation.

Doctors began a series of tests Wednesday, only hours after the girls were born at nearby Watsonville Community Hospital. A Stanford spokesman said Thursday that a decision on surgery may be made today.

The twins were born about three weeks prematurely and were connected below the diaphragm. Their mother, who requested anonymity, was reported resting comfortably at the Watsonville hospital. The girls weighed a total of 13 pounds and 9 ounces at birth. Each appeared to have her own full set of vital organs.