Kilshaws give up fight for 'internet twins'

The UK High Court ruled last week that the twin baby girls who were 'bought' over the internet by a British couple had to be returned to America. They are to be handed over to the Division of Family Services in Missouri and will be cared for by foster parents until a decision about who they will permanently live with is made by the American courts.

The decision was welcomed by the twins' natural parents who are now separately claiming custody of the girls. At the hearing, Judith Kilshaw who, with her husband Alan, brought the children to England, wept at the decision and became abusive to journalists present. It was thought that the Kilshaws were considering an appeal, but later transpired that they would not, claiming lack of money and support.

The Kilshaws paid a Californian adoption agency £8200 for the twins last November. The adoption was later formalised in Arkansas, although the Kilshaws had not been resident there long enough to make the adoption valid. Another couple claimed the girls, and a race across America ensued before the Kilshaws eventually brought the children to this country.

In his judgement last week, Mr Justice Kirkwood said 'it would not be in the interests of the twins' welfare for them to be returned to Mr and Mrs Kilshaw'. He added, 'it is accordingly right that these American children should return to Missouri. The court there... has given this court its assurance that the case will be decided expeditiously.'