The 'twin marriage' never happened - are you surprised?

[Ethel]

Listening to the Jeremy Vine show today it seems the twins separated at birth, married without knowing they were twins and had their marriage annulled - never existed and never happened.
But it was reported by all the newspapers and the televised news, all because of a comment by one person. No proof whatsoever.

Can we believe anything we hear and read?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,2240874, 00.html

[vehelpfulguy]

I must admit at the time I thought it a huge coincidence that twins separated at birth could happen to meet and up and marry.

Another urban myth eh !

[brionon]

No surprise to me ,so much ''News' just ain't !

[Ethel]

I think if it really had happened, somebody somewhere would know and sell their story to the press, if the couple themselves didn't. Big bucks for them.

Shameful journalism from start to finish.

[jno]

I don't think it's particularly unreasonable that they took the word of a peer until he's proved to be a liar, which he now has been. It isn't a story that, on the face of it, could have been fruitfully followed up - 'the judge involved' would have been unlikely to have talked to the media, so the word of a lord was accepted. The noble Lord Alton will never be believed again, much as Tony Blair wasn't after the WMD fiasco, and serve him right.

[China Doll]

I'm really pleased actually, not that the person lied or the media printed it but at the time I thought it just sounded so sad. Glad it didn't actually happen to someone.

[Ethel]

China Doll - the expert was saying that it is becoming increasingly likely that at least half siblings could unwittlingly marry, as men who donate sperm can father 150 children each, and many donors have done so.

Is that anything to worry about?

[China Doll]

It's a pretty big grey area isn't it Ethel. I'm tempted to ask in Science about how likely it is too. Percentage wise I mean.

It's definitely got implications for any children that are produced, genetic issues and things.

But... Well didn't someone say on the previous thread, (IAP maybe?) about the legalities of being siblings? I thought it was something to do with how they're classed under the law if they're not brought up together? jno might remember. That being so, how can two people who have never been brought up together and effectively just share a sperm (and all the information that contains, not trivialising) as I guess the doners aren't realy what you'd call their father in a normal sense be classed as brother and sister? I don't think it'd be fair that they should face shame over it if something like that happened.

But then you go back to genetics I guess and children eh?

Certainly a puzzler Ethel, not sure I've got a set in stone answer there.

[Ethel]

Oh no - there would be no shame for the people involved, but of course the problem is genetic and any effects on their children and grand children.

I wonder if the donor's sperm is sent to women all over the country, to reduce the likelihood of the offsping meeting? I know nothing about it really.

[brionon]

Journalists are supposed to check the facts.

[Quinlad]

Yes, you'd be forgiven for trusting the word of a peer but you still make damn sure the story stands up. Especially if it's your front page lead. That's just basic professionalism.

In my journalism days, I'd have been sacked for that. In fact, I wouldn't because it would have even got past the editorial meeting.

As for the genetic argument, I'm not altogeter sure of the science behind that. In fact, I'm sure I read somewhere that done carefully or in isolated incidents, it can actually be a benefit. Look at racehorses for example.

Then again, I'm no scientist. That might be poppycock.

[China Doll]

That's true Quin.

But then think about those pure bred dogs and all the problems they end up having too. Could maybe go either way?

I think I will have a potter over to Science actually... See what you've started Ethel? Now I'm bonneted with bees.

[bednobs]

i wndered why they didnt wonder about the same birthday thing. And even if you are adopted you have a brth certificate dont you?and dont you have to show it to get married

[bednobs]

im not deliberately being thick here, but twins do have the same birthday

[Panic Button]

Not always. If born either side of midnight they don't.

[libertie]

Has it not been policy in the UK for something like 40 years not to separate twins that have been placed for adoption!

[gina32]

this may sound silly but if as the bible says we only started from adam and eve arent we all related??