Section IV. On Monsters

I. Monsters and prodigies are always to be baptized at least conditionally (canon 748). Namely, if the monster has a head and breast, or at least a head, even if beast-like, it is certainly a human being; since it cannot be anything else, because there cannot be generation between a human being and a brute: hence it is to be baptized absolutely. Otherwise Baptism is to be conferred conditionally; this also holds concerning one about whom it is doubted whether or not he ought to be reckoned among monsters and prodigies (St. Alphonsus, VI, 125).

II. If the monster has two heads and two sufficiently distinct breasts, there is a double human being; hence a double Baptism is to be conferred. If nevertheless danger of death is imminent, both are to be baptized at once under the form: I baptize you, etc.

III. But in doubt whether there is one human being or several, one is to be baptized absolutely, the others conditionally (canon 748). In practice, proceed in this way:

1. If the doubt arises from the fact that the monster does not have two sufficiently distinct heads and two sufficiently distinct breasts, then first one must be baptized absolutely, and afterward the other conditionally in this way: If you are not baptized, I..., etc.

2. If the doubt arises from the fact that the monster has two heads and one breast, proceed in the same way as was said under 1.

3. If the doubt arises from the fact that the monster has two breasts and, apparently, only one head, then let the head be baptized absolutely, then each breast conditionally: If you are not baptized, I..., etc.¹

¹ Namely, if, as commonly happens, it is doubtful which breast belongs to the baptized head.