In the 1990s you may have heard about or seen the documentary regarding twins Abby and Brittany Hensel. Or perhaps you saw them on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Extraordinary People, ABC-TV, or the Discovery Health channel.
After the 90s they faded from the public eye to normal twins growing up, and as teenagers posting on social media like others of the same age. They dropped out of sight to the general public, but not their family, friends, acquaintances, and many followers. When they were 16, the Hensel twins invited TLC cameras into their home for a documentary. Ultimately, that resulted in a 2012 TV Reality–Show (Abby & Brittany) using some of the same footage from the documentary. The show lasted for one year.
Since then, they continue to value their privacy, and have shied away from so much public attention, but their names have re-emerged recently due to incorrect, phony reports and photos posted by unknown others on social media, causing a series of updates on their current lives.
“So, who are they?” you ask.
MEET THE HENSEL TWINS
The twins, born in 1990 in rural New Germany, Minnesota, are medically described as dicephalic parapagus twins. While the term means conjoined side-by-side, medical history shows the manner and location of conjoining varies with the individuals. The Hensel twins, conjoined side by side, share one body and two legs, were born with two functional arms, plus a vestigial third arm, which was surgically removed.
Each twin has her own head, heart, spine, spinal cord, stomach, lungs, kidneys, gallbladder and, surprisingly, immune systems. Below the waist, however, everything is shared, including some major anatomical parts like the rib cage, large intestine, liver, and even a single reproductive system. They also have the same DNA.
After the 90s they faded from the public eye to normal twins growing up, and as teenagers posting on social media like others of the same age. They dropped out of sight to the general public, but not their family, friends, acquaintances, and many followers. When they were 16, the Hensel twins invited TLC cameras into their home for a documentary. Ultimately, that resulted in a 2012 TV Reality–Show (Abby & Brittany) using some of the same footage from the documentary. The show lasted for one year.
Since then, they continue to value their privacy, and have shied away from so much public attention, but their names have re-emerged recently due to incorrect, phony reports and photos posted by unknown others on social media, causing a series of updates on their current lives.
“So, who are they?” you ask.
MEET THE HENSEL TWINS
The twins, born in 1990 in rural New Germany, Minnesota, are medically described as dicephalic parapagus twins. While the term means conjoined side-by-side, medical history shows the manner and location of conjoining varies with the individuals. The Hensel twins, conjoined side by side, share one body and two legs, were born with two functional arms, plus a vestigial third arm, which was surgically removed.
Each twin has her own head, heart, spine, spinal cord, stomach, lungs, kidneys, gallbladder and, surprisingly, immune systems. Below the waist, however, everything is shared, including some major anatomical parts like the rib cage, large intestine, liver, and even a single reproductive system. They also have the same DNA.
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Image Source: Image Source: Image Source:
viralmurphy.com/conjoined-twins briefly.co.za/conjoined-twins theprecioustimes.com/abby-brittany-hensel
Abby, the twin on the right, controls the right arm and leg but can’t feel anything on her left side. Brittany, the twin on the left, is in charge of the left arm and leg and can’t feel anything on her right side. They are legally classified as two people, have two passports, two driver’s licenses, and very different personalities.
SEPARATION / SURVIVAL
According to most sources, when Patty Hensel, a registered nurse, and Mike Hensel, a carpenter and landscaper, went to the hospital in March, 1990, they were unaware Patty was carrying twins.
Once the difficult birth was over, Brittany and Abby weren’t expected to live more than 24 hours. Surprise! They did.
The occurrence of conjoined twins is about one in 200,000 births, and the survival rate of such is extremely low. Of that small population, only 11% are dicephalic parapagus twins such as Brittany and Abby. This condition does occur with females more often than males.
“Sadly, very few conjoined twins survive gestation and delivery. It is estimated that between 40 to 60% of these births are delivered stillborn, with 35% surviving only one day. Of the survivors, 70% are connected at the chest or upper abdomen, 25% are connected lower down and share hips or legs, and 5% are connected at the head.” historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
After a difficult labor and birth, the parents, Patty and Mike, were given the option of operating to separate the twins. It would have been impossible even to consider had the girls not had separate organs, but still extremely risky. The Hensels decided against attempting separation because they believed that one of girls might die, and they did not want that.
Later, as Abby and Brittany grew older, there were several medical interventions. When, at 12, Brittany stopped growing, Abby had spinal surgery to stop her spinal growth to keep them balanced. Abby is 5 feet 2 inches tall and Brittany is only four feet ten inches. They have both had operations for scoliosis and preventative chest surgery to address potential breathing problems. Because of the height difference, Brittany has to walk on tip toes or wear shoes with heels.
As adults, the Hensel girls are often asked if they’ve considered separating, now that the medical technology is much better. Their answer is “no.” After this long, the twins can’t imagine living any other way. They are too active and social to be confined to wheelchairs, and are grateful to have a permanent companion in their journey through life.
DEVELOPMENT: EPITOME OF COOPERATION
Despite being physically unique, the twins learned to coordinate body movements and grew up as normal twins in terms of the sorts of activities kids engage in. With each controlling one arm and one leg, they still walked and talked and developed within the normal age ranges.
Imagine how fully in-sync they must be just to walk and react, much less the kinds of physical activities involved in sports. Their childhood was surprisingly like that of other children. The girls like to swim, bowl, play the piano, ride bikes, and play various musical instruments.
They have a younger sister and a younger brother.
viralmurphy.com/conjoined-twins briefly.co.za/conjoined-twins theprecioustimes.com/abby-brittany-hensel
Abby, the twin on the right, controls the right arm and leg but can’t feel anything on her left side. Brittany, the twin on the left, is in charge of the left arm and leg and can’t feel anything on her right side. They are legally classified as two people, have two passports, two driver’s licenses, and very different personalities.
SEPARATION / SURVIVAL
According to most sources, when Patty Hensel, a registered nurse, and Mike Hensel, a carpenter and landscaper, went to the hospital in March, 1990, they were unaware Patty was carrying twins.
Once the difficult birth was over, Brittany and Abby weren’t expected to live more than 24 hours. Surprise! They did.
The occurrence of conjoined twins is about one in 200,000 births, and the survival rate of such is extremely low. Of that small population, only 11% are dicephalic parapagus twins such as Brittany and Abby. This condition does occur with females more often than males.
“Sadly, very few conjoined twins survive gestation and delivery. It is estimated that between 40 to 60% of these births are delivered stillborn, with 35% surviving only one day. Of the survivors, 70% are connected at the chest or upper abdomen, 25% are connected lower down and share hips or legs, and 5% are connected at the head.” historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
After a difficult labor and birth, the parents, Patty and Mike, were given the option of operating to separate the twins. It would have been impossible even to consider had the girls not had separate organs, but still extremely risky. The Hensels decided against attempting separation because they believed that one of girls might die, and they did not want that.
Later, as Abby and Brittany grew older, there were several medical interventions. When, at 12, Brittany stopped growing, Abby had spinal surgery to stop her spinal growth to keep them balanced. Abby is 5 feet 2 inches tall and Brittany is only four feet ten inches. They have both had operations for scoliosis and preventative chest surgery to address potential breathing problems. Because of the height difference, Brittany has to walk on tip toes or wear shoes with heels.
As adults, the Hensel girls are often asked if they’ve considered separating, now that the medical technology is much better. Their answer is “no.” After this long, the twins can’t imagine living any other way. They are too active and social to be confined to wheelchairs, and are grateful to have a permanent companion in their journey through life.
DEVELOPMENT: EPITOME OF COOPERATION
Despite being physically unique, the twins learned to coordinate body movements and grew up as normal twins in terms of the sorts of activities kids engage in. With each controlling one arm and one leg, they still walked and talked and developed within the normal age ranges.
Imagine how fully in-sync they must be just to walk and react, much less the kinds of physical activities involved in sports. Their childhood was surprisingly like that of other children. The girls like to swim, bowl, play the piano, ride bikes, and play various musical instruments.
They have a younger sister and a younger brother.
 |  |
Image Source: Image Source:
interest.com/pin/468655904963179984/ historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
Because they each have their own immune systems, one can be sick when the other isn’t. “But they have expressed that being sick is the only time they ever wish they were separated. Once, Brittany was so upset when Abby expressed that sentiment that she cried nonstop until her sister assured her she would stay put.” historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES
Despite sharing a body, the girls have developed their own distinct personalities. Abby is bossier and demanding, and she is louder and outspoken. More of an extrovert. She doesn’t like the noise in the city, and loves caffeine, but stays away from it because her twin isn’t supposed to have it. Abby ’s favorite color is pink, and she likes bright colors.
interest.com/pin/468655904963179984/ historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
Because they each have their own immune systems, one can be sick when the other isn’t. “But they have expressed that being sick is the only time they ever wish they were separated. Once, Brittany was so upset when Abby expressed that sentiment that she cried nonstop until her sister assured her she would stay put.” historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES
Despite sharing a body, the girls have developed their own distinct personalities. Abby is bossier and demanding, and she is louder and outspoken. More of an extrovert. She doesn’t like the noise in the city, and loves caffeine, but stays away from it because her twin isn’t supposed to have it. Abby ’s favorite color is pink, and she likes bright colors.
Brittany is a quieter person and more of a tomboy. She tends to be an introverted, fragile, contemplative, and reserved person. Unlike Abby, Brittany loves the city life and the craziness it gives.
As teens and young adults, they showed their differences by choosing different hair colors and cuts, shoes and leggings, but body clothes are more of a problem because their tastes are quite different.
Image Credit: Instagram - @abbyandbrittany
Image Source: historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
Their mother was relieved when the teenagers, who fought constantly over what to wear, came to an agreement to let one twin choose one day, the other the next. Apparently they learned to accommodate the tastes of the other with similar “trade-off” systems. Additionally, they have clothing that’s specially made with different necklines and hems to suit their individual tastes. They seem to always know what the other is going to say, and often finish each other's sentences. "We talk in our heads, " they say.
TYPICAL TEENAGERS
They had the usual difficulties in their teen years, like any other twins would have. At 16, when they agreed to let TLC document their life, everything they did was photographed.
That same year, they decided to get their driver's licenses. They each had to pass the written exam. For the actual driving part of the test, they had to operate the vehicle together at the steering wheel, Abby controlling the right side, Brittany the left.
As teens and young adults, they showed their differences by choosing different hair colors and cuts, shoes and leggings, but body clothes are more of a problem because their tastes are quite different.
Image Credit: Instagram - @abbyandbrittany
Image Source: historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
Their mother was relieved when the teenagers, who fought constantly over what to wear, came to an agreement to let one twin choose one day, the other the next. Apparently they learned to accommodate the tastes of the other with similar “trade-off” systems. Additionally, they have clothing that’s specially made with different necklines and hems to suit their individual tastes. They seem to always know what the other is going to say, and often finish each other's sentences. "We talk in our heads, " they say.
TYPICAL TEENAGERS
They had the usual difficulties in their teen years, like any other twins would have. At 16, when they agreed to let TLC document their life, everything they did was photographed.
That same year, they decided to get their driver's licenses. They each had to pass the written exam. For the actual driving part of the test, they had to operate the vehicle together at the steering wheel, Abby controlling the right side, Brittany the left.
 |  |
Image Source: Image Source:
theprecioustimes.com/abby-and-brittany-hensel historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
Physical cooperation in harmonizing movement had to be learned, but the twins have an inane instinct of anticipating what the other is thinking and feeling without verbal or other cues. “Twintuition" is said to be common among conjoined twin and even separate sets of twins.
HIGHSCHOOL / COLLEGE / OFF TO EUROPE
During high school their interests pretty well overlapped, but Brittany enjoyed writing while Abby preferred math. The twins were given their own assignments, but sometimes peaked at the other’s work. In 2008, the girls graduated with honors from Mayer Lutheran High School in Mayer, Minnesota. Their graduation made history as the first pair of conjoined twins in the United States to graduate from any high school.
theprecioustimes.com/abby-and-brittany-hensel historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
Physical cooperation in harmonizing movement had to be learned, but the twins have an inane instinct of anticipating what the other is thinking and feeling without verbal or other cues. “Twintuition" is said to be common among conjoined twin and even separate sets of twins.
HIGHSCHOOL / COLLEGE / OFF TO EUROPE
During high school their interests pretty well overlapped, but Brittany enjoyed writing while Abby preferred math. The twins were given their own assignments, but sometimes peaked at the other’s work. In 2008, the girls graduated with honors from Mayer Lutheran High School in Mayer, Minnesota. Their graduation made history as the first pair of conjoined twins in the United States to graduate from any high school.
After high school, Abby and Brittany left home and lived on their own while attending the University of Bethel, St. Paul. Both received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Education at the age of twenty-two. The twins had wanted to specialize in different teaching disciplines but felt they couldn’t handle the extra coursework. Image Credit: Instagram - @abbyandbrittany
Image Source: historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
Image Source: historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
Their university days completed, the girls took a trip to Europe with their friends Rebecca Fessler and Erin Junkans. This was filmed extensively by TLC, and later used in their reality show.
Abby and Brittany agreed to do the TV reality show despite their dislike of publicity, because it gave them the opportunity to let the general public know more about their unusual situation. Even with their busy schedule, they have found time to travel to several countries.
Abby and Brittany agreed to do the TV reality show despite their dislike of publicity, because it gave them the opportunity to let the general public know more about their unusual situation. Even with their busy schedule, they have found time to travel to several countries.
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Image Credit: Instagram Image Credit: Gentside, UK
Image Credit: theprecioustimes.com/update-on Image Source: thefrisky.com/abby-and-brittany-hensel
-abby-and-brittany-hensel
SETTLING DOWN TO A CAREER
Home again, the twins settled down and got a student teaching job as fourth- and fifth-grade math specialists. When they finished the required stint as student teachers, they were offered a full time position (chosen from among 175 qualified candidates) teaching at Mounds View Elementary School, in Elk Mound, Minnesota. Since October 2017, they have worked at the school and enjoy their careers and particularly like working with children, who seem to adore their teachers Abby and Brittany.
Image Credit: theprecioustimes.com/update-on Image Source: thefrisky.com/abby-and-brittany-hensel
-abby-and-brittany-hensel
SETTLING DOWN TO A CAREER
Home again, the twins settled down and got a student teaching job as fourth- and fifth-grade math specialists. When they finished the required stint as student teachers, they were offered a full time position (chosen from among 175 qualified candidates) teaching at Mounds View Elementary School, in Elk Mound, Minnesota. Since October 2017, they have worked at the school and enjoy their careers and particularly like working with children, who seem to adore their teachers Abby and Brittany.
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Image Credit: YouTube
Source of Images: theprecioustimes.com/update-on-abby-and-brittany-hensel
The school principal, Mr. Paul Good, says “I don’t think there’s anything that they won’t try or something that they couldn’t be able to do if they really wanted to. To bring that to children, especially kids who might be struggling, that’s very special, that’s learnt through lived example.” https://thenetline.com/abby-and-brittany-now/
Image Source:theprecioustimes.com/abby-and-brittany-hensel ▼
Source of Images: theprecioustimes.com/update-on-abby-and-brittany-hensel
The school principal, Mr. Paul Good, says “I don’t think there’s anything that they won’t try or something that they couldn’t be able to do if they really wanted to. To bring that to children, especially kids who might be struggling, that’s very special, that’s learnt through lived example.” https://thenetline.com/abby-and-brittany-now/
Image Source:theprecioustimes.com/abby-and-brittany-hensel ▼
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
Abby and Brittany are now entering their early thirties, and thinking about their futures.
Each of the twins has expressed a desire to marry an individual spouse some day. They both want to be mothers and have their own families, but how they intend to accomplish that isn’t up for discussion with others. They are tight lipped about their love life. However, the girls have a track record of eventually achieving what they go after, and so far they have beaten all the odds. The rest of us will have to wait and see.
Abby and Brittany are now entering their early thirties, and thinking about their futures.
Each of the twins has expressed a desire to marry an individual spouse some day. They both want to be mothers and have their own families, but how they intend to accomplish that isn’t up for discussion with others. They are tight lipped about their love life. However, the girls have a track record of eventually achieving what they go after, and so far they have beaten all the odds. The rest of us will have to wait and see.
In the mean time, the Hensel twins are opting for a much more private life. In an update on the twins, writer Marc Rhodes writes, “Abby and Brittany Hensel are truly wonderful people. Despite having physical challenges, it hasn’t stopped the twins from having fun and fulfilled lives. They are the perfect example of achieving their hopes and dreams when putting their minds to it. For those in a rut, these two serve as real sources of inspiration.”
And just so you know, the reports that the twins have been separated surgically and that they have married, is false.
Image Credit: Twitter @JubileeBials
Image Source: historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
JUST SAYIN’!
□
Sources:
https://www.timesmojo.com/what-are-the-hensel-twins-doing-now/
https://thenetline.com/abby-and-brittany-now/
https://historyinorbit.com/the-unbelievable-true-story-of-the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/468655904963179984/
https://www.mostgreatnews.com/2019/07/01/then-and-now-these-celebrity-kids-are-all-grown-up/
https://www.viralmurphy.com/25-fascinating-facts-about-conjoined-twins-abby-and-brittany-hensel/2/
https://thefrisky.com/abby-and-brittany-hensel-dating-net-worth-bio-personal-life/
https://briefly.co.za/38047-all-conjoined-twins-abby-brittany-hensel.html
https://theprecioustimes.com/heartwarming/an-update-on-abby-and-brittany-hensel-the-worlds-most-famous-conjoined-twins/
https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2022/01/fact-check-no-evidence-that-conjoined-hensel-twins-are-now-separated.html#:~:text=Are%20Abby%20and%20Brittany%20Hensel%2C%20conjoined%20twins%20who,two%20are%20separated%20at%20the%20time%20of%20writing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dicephalic_parapagus_twins#:~:text=Dicephalus%20means%20two-headed.%20Parapagus%20means%20joined%20side%20by,two%20arms%20altogether%20%28one%20for%20each%20twin%29%2C%20
https://changecominon.blogspot.com/2016/09/abby-and-brittany-hensel-wedding-pics.html (Untrue information)
And just so you know, the reports that the twins have been separated surgically and that they have married, is false.
Image Credit: Twitter @JubileeBials
Image Source: historyinorbit.com/the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
JUST SAYIN’!
□
Sources:
https://www.timesmojo.com/what-are-the-hensel-twins-doing-now/
https://thenetline.com/abby-and-brittany-now/
https://historyinorbit.com/the-unbelievable-true-story-of-the-conjoined-hensel-twins-2/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/468655904963179984/
https://www.mostgreatnews.com/2019/07/01/then-and-now-these-celebrity-kids-are-all-grown-up/
https://www.viralmurphy.com/25-fascinating-facts-about-conjoined-twins-abby-and-brittany-hensel/2/
https://thefrisky.com/abby-and-brittany-hensel-dating-net-worth-bio-personal-life/
https://briefly.co.za/38047-all-conjoined-twins-abby-brittany-hensel.html
https://theprecioustimes.com/heartwarming/an-update-on-abby-and-brittany-hensel-the-worlds-most-famous-conjoined-twins/
https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2022/01/fact-check-no-evidence-that-conjoined-hensel-twins-are-now-separated.html#:~:text=Are%20Abby%20and%20Brittany%20Hensel%2C%20conjoined%20twins%20who,two%20are%20separated%20at%20the%20time%20of%20writing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dicephalic_parapagus_twins#:~:text=Dicephalus%20means%20two-headed.%20Parapagus%20means%20joined%20side%20by,two%20arms%20altogether%20%28one%20for%20each%20twin%29%2C%20
https://changecominon.blogspot.com/2016/09/abby-and-brittany-hensel-wedding-pics.html (Untrue information)
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