Abby and Brittany Hensel: A Remarkable and Inspiring Story

Conjoined twins live lives that are anything but ordinary. M-SUR / Shutterstock

The story of Abby and Brittany Hensel, the world's most famous conjoined twins, has captivated audiences for decades.

Born in 1990, the twins share a single body with two heads, two spines and two brains. They also have unique personalities and remarkable coordination that allowed them to lead a relatively normal life. Their journey, from childhood to reality TV stardom, has highlighted their resilience and the complexities of living as conjoined twins.

Over the years, Abby and Brittany defied expectations, tackling challenges together while inspiring millions. Appearing on shows like the "Oprah Winfrey Show," they candidly shared their experiences, showing how they navigated life as individuals while sharing one liver, one bladder, three kidneys, four lungs and a single circulatory system. Their bond and determination became symbols of hope and perseverance.

The Twins' Lives

Conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel's lives were anything but standard. Their parents, Patty and Mike Hensel, were faced with the agonizing decision of whether or not to separate the twins shortly after their birth. It was unlikely that both would survive, and so they elected to not have the procedure.

From a young age, the Hensel twins demonstrated an incredible ability to cooperate, with Abby controlling the right side of their body and Brittany controlling the left. Despite their physical limitations, they managed to live a relatively normal life, attending school, playing sports and pursuing hobbies as other kids did.

The twins posted updates about their lives on social media, often addressing "all the haters" who doubted their capabilities. They made headlines as reality TV stars, sharing their unique perspective and proving that they could achieve goals like driving a car, graduating college, and even working as teachers.

Their story resonated deeply with audiences, showing that even with two heads and one body, it was possible to thrive.

The Twins on TV

Abby and Brittany's fame skyrocketed after their appearance on the "Oprah Winfrey Show," where they openly discussed their lives as conjoined twins. The show offered a glimpse into their daily routines, challenges, and triumphs, captivating millions.

Their reality TV series, "Abby & Brittany," provided an even closer look at their lives, showcasing their journey from college to entering the workforce as educators.

Fans admire their ability to tackle milestones together, like Abby's marriage to Joshua Bowling. The twins' public presence is not without controversy, as critics often speculate about their personal lives and medical realities.

Their first dance at Abby's wedding became an iconic moment, symbolizing their unwavering bond and their ability to celebrate life's special moments despite societal scrutiny.

Medical Realities

The medical complexities of being conjoined twins are a serious challenge for Abby and Brittany.

With two brains, two spinal cords, but only one liver, one bladder, and a shared circulatory system, their bodies require meticulous care to maintain their health. The twins' unique anatomy includes three kidneys and four lungs, which function collaboratively but also present risks.

Doctors considered separation surgery early in their lives, but the procedure was deemed too risky, as it could leave one twin or both with severe complications. The twins managed to adapt remarkably well, demonstrating how two brains could work together to control a single body.

Are the Hensel Twins Still Alive?

Yes, though the twins' lives hasn't been without serious challenges. Since Abby and Brittany Hensel share some of their organs, they have experienced additional wear and tear that most people's bodies don't have to endure. Dicephalic parapagus twins — their specific type of conjoined twins — rarely survive into adulthood.

However, Abby and Brittany have continued to beat the odds, living happy and fulfilled lives. As they are minor celebrities, an additional challenge has been remaining somewhat private in an era of rampant social media usage.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.