Abby and Brittany were born on March 7, 1990, with the rare condition of dicephalic parapagus—meaning they had two heads but shared one body. Despite the low survival rate for such twins, they overcame the odds and thrived. Their condition occurs once in 50,000-100,000 births and is unique, even among conjoined twins.
Historically, only one case of siblings like the Hensel sisters who lived into adulthood, Giacomo and Giovanni Battista Tocci from Italy, are known. They had a similar condition, with one arm and one leg each, but unlike the girls, they could not walk and never learned to do so.
Living Without Limits
Although born with a medical condition that fused them for life, the Hensel sisters never let it limit them. Instead, they have always lived to the fullest, embracing every challenge that comes their way. Judging by the stunning photos that capture their life, it is clear that they have had a remarkable journey.
What makes them even more inspiring is that despite their unique situation, they lead an active lifestyle, demonstrating their exceptional coordination and ability to work together as a team. Still, there are some critical day-to-day challenges anyone in their shoes will face, so how have they managed so well for three decades?
Maintaining Their Individuality
Despite being physically connected at the hip and sharing a single body, Abby and Brittany remain two distinct individuals. While they have separate heads and internal organs, they share a pair of arms and legs. Their living condition raises many questions—some too weird to ask—like how they use the bathroom or date.
Still, this means they must work together and make many decisions jointly, including essential life choices, and we’d like to know how they do it. Thankfully, instead of allowing us to drown in a pool of our curiosity, the Hensel sisters have been forthcoming in answering many of these inquiries over the years.
Their Special Birth Circumstances
Of course, no one wants the twins to feel like there’s no privacy in their lives. But even they understand that the exceptional circumstances of their birth are not the simplest to wrap one’s head around. The occurrence of identical twins is already relatively uncommon, with less than a one percent chance. And siamese twins are even rarer.
Unfortunately, many conjoined twins do not survive. Those who do often face many health challenges during childhood, which can further reduce their chances of survival. This makes Abby and Brittany’s story all the more remarkable, as they have survived and thrived, growing into healthy adults.
How The Twins Handle Dressing
Among the questions on people’s minds regarding the Hensel girls are how they approach getting outfits that fit them well. Although they are often mistaken for a single person, they are two distinct individuals with their own unique traits. One difference is their height, with Abby being a bit taller.
That slight height difference can make it challenging for them to find clothing that fits appropriately. And in addition to their physical differences, they have different tastes and preferences regarding fashion. So to address the challenge, they found a talented seamstress who creates custom outfits for their physique while still allowing them to express their personal style.
They Control Different Halves of Their Body
It’s genuinely great that, fashion-wise, they still get to enjoy their individuality. Not every aspect of it is convenient. Due to their unique anatomy, they control different halves of their body, which presents challenges in their daily lives. This is most noticeable in the way they walk.
Abby walks with her feet flat on the heels, while Brittany walks on her toes. Their height difference plays a role in this. As young children, they had to learn how to crawl, stand, walk, and run together. They were even born with three arms, but their parents decided to remove the extra limb so they could move their shoulder blades comfortably.
Growth Differences
Something else that threatened the twins’ anatomical comfort was that Brittany stopped increasing in height at 12. On the other hand, Abby was still able to grow, which is why she’s taller. However, if her height had continued to increase with Brittany’s halted, it would have been an enormous problem.
As a result, their parents opted for spine surgery on Abby to halt her vertical growth, and the procedure fused her back bones together, preventing further elongation. Because of how they share their upper body, they also needed an anti-scoliosis operation. But those were just bumps on their road to adulthood.
They Don’t Fall Sick At The Same Time
Surprisingly, when one twin gets sick, the other remains healthy. This is because they have separate vital organs and immune systems, which means they are not always affected by the same illness. For example, Brittany has been known to get colds more frequently, while Abby has never developed pneumonia despite her sister getting it twice.
In the past, when Brittany was sick, Abby became restless from having to stay in bed all day. This was one of the few instances where the twins expressed a desire to separate their bodies, but this was when they were much younger and they have since learned to appreciate their unique bond.
Their Body Temperatures Are Not The Same
Despite sharing a body, Abby and Brittany are separate individuals with distinct personalities. Another example of this is their differing body temperatures, with Abby becoming hot quickly and Brittany not experiencing the same. They must be experts at communication because they must do much of it to find a balance and accommodate each other.
Additionally, Abby is an outgoing and adventurous person, while Brittany is more reserved and has a fear of heights. Not to mention that Brittany’s heart rate increases when she consumes too much coffee, but this does not affect Abby similarly. However, while these differences make each one unique, they also have similar interests.
They Have Some Similar Interests
Thankfully, Abby and Brittany’s bond extends beyond just sharing a body as they often find common ground in their interests and hobbies. They excel at sports, excelling in games like bowling and volleyball, further improving their coordination. And also, their musical talent is a source of joy for both of them, as they’re proficient in playing the piano.
Abby takes the left side of the keyboard while Brittany takes the right, and together, they create beautiful melodies. They’re also talented guitarists, and their love for music keeps growing as they learn new instruments and expand their musical abilities. But music aside, who knew these two could also act?
Becoming Reality TV Stars
The Hensel siblings actually rose to prominence in 2012 when they starred in their own TLC reality show, “Brittany & Abby.” The program aimed to dispel misconceptions people had about conjoined twins in general by giving viewers a glimpse into their daily lives. Although fame was not their primary motivation, the sisters used their brief time in the spotlight to further their careers.
Through the show, people gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Hensel sisters’ condition, which is what the siblings hoped to achieve through their screen time. And they continue to inspire others even though their television time has passed.
Their Academic Capabilities Differ
While their one-year stint in reality TV added to the long list of things they enjoyed doing together, many other aspects of their lives still set them apart. For example, while Brittany excelled in writing and language arts, Abby shone in science and math. Their kindergarten teacher, Connie Stahlke, recognized their different skills and allowed them to work together or complete assignments separately.
But being privy to each other’s papers led to them being repeatedly asked if they cheated on their school tests. And they’ve explicitly stated they never did. They did, however, confess to occasionally peeking at each other’s answers.
At Least They Always Had a Study Partner
Considering their differing academic strengths, it wasn’t a shock that they wanted to pursue different career paths after high school. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible, so they had to find a compromise. And even if one struggled in a particular aspect, they had a permanent study partner to put them through.
Thankfully, one thing they do exceptionally well is finding a perfect balance in their lives, and they eventually chose a major that aligns with their shared interests. The Hensel sisters then enrolled in Bethel University, hoping to earn a degree in education. And their hard work paid off, as they both graduated in 2012.
An Athletic Duo
During their university days, the sisters took advantage of their freedom in a new environment to explore their interests and make new friends. They were not limited in any way among their peers and were even quite athletic, with interest in a wide range of sports.
Abby and Brittany developed the skills and coordination needed to excel in these sports, including swimming, bowling, volleyball, and rowing. It wasn’t easy, but now they do it as anyone can. They often engaged in these activities in their free time, enjoying sociability and competition with friends. That’s why these friends don’t see them as any different from others.
Becoming Independent
Having completed their studies, the Hensel sisters focused on gaining independence. Their first big step was to move out of their childhood home and into their own place. What a big move! Although it was a significant change, they felt it was necessary to take control of their lives and become more self-sufficient.
They also place great importance on financial independence, which allows them to live more fulfilling lives. You’d be surprised that despite having one body, they each pay for their own movie tickets at the cinema. Perhaps that’s just their choice, and we get it. But they only need one since they will occupy a single seat.
They Each Have a Driver’s License
If they were willing to pay for an extra movie ticket to establish their individuality further, then it goes without saying that the same would apply to driving. On their 16th birthday, they learned to drive together, with one sister controlling the wheel and the other manning the pedals.
The written test, however, was taken separately, and both of them passed, resulting in two individual licenses. The sisters also have separate passports identifying them individually but only purchase one ticket when traveling by plane. Fight prices can be high, so of course, they’d take advantage of being joined in this instance to save cost.
Traveling The World with Friends
Abby and Brittany lived life to the fullest as possible, even traveling to different countries with their friends. Their second TLC series documented the trip around the world with two of their college buddies. The journey was an incredible feat that required double the preparation of an ordinary trip due to their unique circumstances, but they pulled it off flawlessly.
The group’s expedition involved visits to England and Italy, where they saw iconic landmarks, tried new foods, and learned about different cultures. Although the twins had a perfect time with their friends, it wasn’t the first trip they had made to another country.
Celebrating Their Graduation
Before their trip around the world, the Hensel sisters had already traveled to England multiple times. As part of their college experience, they studied abroad in that European country and even completed a student teaching stint in London. But all those visits were for study, not exploration, so this time was different.
As a graduation trip, it was meant to be a last hurrah of sorts, a final adventure with their college friends before starting their professional lives. Traveling after school is believed to force one out of their comfort zone and possibly help people discover new passions. However, Abby and Brittany already found theirs as educators.
Having Fun Like Any Other Tourist
Despite their unique physical condition, the Hensel sisters are just like any other tourists, as demonstrated on their big trip. They were eager to capture every moment of their once-in-a-lifetime experience through photographs. However, taking pictures proved a unique challenge for the conjoined twins.
Due to the placement of their limbs, Abby had to always press the camera button to capture moments, even though Brittany could still take snaps with her own hand. To overcome this obstacle, the twins developed a creative solution. When Brittany takes a photo, Abby captures the moment by pressing the button precisely when her sister’s hand stops moving.
Entering The Workforce
After their fun vacation in Europe, it was time for the girls to start their lives as graduates and look for a job. Their program on TLC covered this part of their lives and showed their challenges with landing employment. But they finally secured a great workplace after months of conversations and job applications.
Their career ironically brought them back to their hometown in Minnesota after traveling the world. They are now fourth and fifth-grade math teachers at Sunnyside Elementary School, adored by students and teachers. But while this is great, the path to landing the position was challenging.
Landing a Job as Educators
The process of being hired as a teacher can be tedious and time-consuming. After submitting their resumes, Abby and Brittany were delighted to hear that Sunnyside Elementary was interested in their application. A meeting was soon arranged with the school’s principal and four of their future colleagues, which proved critical in their employment.
The meeting went exceptionally well, and even before the principal decided, the other teachers made it clear that they wanted the sisters on their team. Their passion and unique skills also made an excellent impression on the school faculty, and the Hensel twins were overjoyed to have landed the job.
Facing Some Challenges
Getting hired at a nearby elementary school in their area was a significant accomplishment for the twins. It allowed them to utilize their education degrees, work close to their hometown, and, most importantly, do so as a team. However, for the school, a lot had to go into preparing both the management and students for their new teachers.
That presented some fears and challenges for the twins. They initially worried that the children in their classroom might reject them because they don’t come across conjoined twins daily, but that was hardly the case. The school also took some steps to prevent that.
Positive Reception of The Twins As Teachers
When Sunnyside Elementary School hired Abby and Brittany, the administration recognized the need to prepare the public and students for their arrival. The school hired a public relations expert to create letters for families, which informed them about the twins joining the faculty. Despite some initial hesitations, the Hensel twins have been warmly welcomed by both parents and students alike.
The school organized an open house where the Hensel twins interacted with the attendees, which proved an excellent opportunity for people to get to know them better. As a result, even those who may have had reservations about their hiring were pleasantly surprised and impressed by them.
Meeting Their Students
The Hensels were already familiar with meeting new students when they began teaching at Sunnyside Elementary. As part of their college coursework, they were required to complete student teaching like any other aspiring teacher in the United States. However, the management’s primary concern was the students’ response to having conjoined twins as their teachers rather than their educator capabilities.
The school then arranged for Abby and Brittany to be introduced to the class. Subsequently, the students were given two opportunities to ask questions—one with the twins present and one without them. And their responses put everyone at ease, with students even looking forward to their lessons with them.
Their Unique Teaching Style
It turned out the students that everyone worried won’t accept the siblings perceived them as inspiring. They attest to the strict classroom management that goes on under the Hensels’ tutelage, with one student noting that misbehavior is never unnoticed by their teachers. With the extra pair of eyes, that’s not surprising.
Abby and Brittany’s unique setup offers an advantage in monitoring student behavior. While one sister teaches, the other is available to monitor the classroom and ensure that all students are listening and behaving. It also means that students can enjoy two unique teaching methods; unfortunately, their pay doesn’t reflect that.
Shouldn’t They Earn Separate Salaries?
While the school is thrilled to have them, the administration had to address specific practical matters, like their pay and benefits. As conjoined twins, the question arose whether they would each receive separate payments, so the matter was referred to the human resources department to determine the fair and legal way to compensate them.
Abby and Brittany are considered part-time employees teaching two grade levels in a small town because they don’t work a full school day. As a result, they receive a single salary, and it remains unclear if they receive double benefits and retirement. However, they plan to negotiate that in the future.
Exceptional Math Teachers
The Hensel twins have garnered excellent reviews from both their students and fellow educators. The unique dynamic of having two teachers in the classroom has been particularly beneficial to their pupils. One student particularly noted that when one sister is occupied, she loves that she can ask the other for assistance.
As math teachers for fourth and fifth graders, the twins teach a class transitioning to the more advanced mathematics concepts beyond basic arithmetic. They have worked diligently to perfect their teaching techniques and provide their students with a strong foundation that will serve them well throughout their academic careers.
You’d Think They Can Read Each Others Mind
The idea of a special connection between twins has always been mysterious. Their bond is undoubtedly exceptional, and many believe it has a supernatural quality, almost as if they possess a telepathic connection. But science debunks this idea as a myth, so how do we explain Abby and Brittany’s work email communication?
Since the duo shares one email account, each sister operates one hand when typing messages. And they have mastered the art of synchronizing their typing without discussing the contents beforehand, as they know each other so well that they can finish each other’s sentences. Not to mention that during their college years, Brittany focused on language and writing.
Life For Them is Full of Compromise
We cannot overemphasize how much daily life poses numerous challenges for the Hensel sisters due to sharing the same body. Recognizing that they are two distinct individuals, they not only had to find ways to work together, but they also had to establish clear boundaries. Their understanding that it’s okay to have different preferences has been helpful.
Though they still face difficulties compromising, they do so to preserve their relationship. For example, if one feels tired while the other wants to stay up, they find a solution that won’t leave either feeling completely unsatisfied. But what if one is hungry and the other is not?
How About Their Eating Habits?
Abby and Brittany are unique in every way, including their digestive systems. Each with their own separate stomachs and digestive tracts, they can’t simply share a meal—unless it’s the size of two. But their tastes are as distinct as their wardrobes, so they prefer to indulge in individual dishes.
Dining out is also a two-order affair, as they cater to each other’s diverse culinary desires. They are a rarity in that they hardly ever order the same dish, except for one delicious exception. Super-tasty burgers have them both drooling, and they can’t resist devouring a sloppy joe whenever they can.
Distinct Even On Their Birthdays
For Abby and Brittany, birthday celebrations are a testament to their twinhood. And sharing a birthday means double the fun, starting with two cakes for their sweet tooth. Each sister indulges in a personalized dessert, tailor-made to suit their unique tastes, both in flavor and decoration.
The celebrants revel in the dual extravagance and the personalized touch, a tradition that began with their parents. From an early age, their folks emphasized their individuality and would scold one twin without involving the other. This attention to detail is just one of the ways the family celebrates the twins’ distinction. Their parents played a huge role in their full living lives.
Growing Up With a Loving Family
Growing up in Minnesota, Abby and Brittany were raised in a warm and tight-knit family. Their mother, Patty, is a skilled registered nurse, while their father, Mike, is a master carpenter. Along with their two siblings, Morgan and Dakota, they formed a loving and resilient family unit.
Many often wonder if their other siblings share similarities with Abby and Brittany. The answer is a resounding no; neither Morgan nor Dakota experienced any anomalies at birth or in their lives after that. Just like them, Abby and Brittany have expressed their interest in eventually settling down and creating a home of their own.
How Do They Date?
The girls say they want to settle down and start a family, but one big question on many people’s minds is how they go about their love lives. Although their reality show primarily focused on the difficulties, practicalities, and triumphs of living as conjoined twins, they have yet to delve into romance and intimacy.
While they’ve not revealed much in that aspect, they remain unwavering in their search for true love. They understand their journey may be longer but believe their perseverance will pay off. With so much effort put into their success in life, there’s no reason they shouldn’t have their own fairytale ending.
Rumors of Engagement
Despite the Hensel sisters’ reluctance to discuss their romantic lives, rumors circulated over the years that one of them was engaged, causing the media and public to pry into their personal affairs. During a 2012 TLC special, the twins addressed these rumors and confirmed that there were no engagements to speak of.
The siblings understand the public’s curiosity regarding that part of their lives, but they have explained why they want privacy in that area. They admit they are totally different people and believe the world doesn’t need to know who they’re seeing or when they plan to settle down.
They Refused Surgical Separation
The sisters were offered a risky surgical procedure to separate them as newborns. However, their parents were hesitant to subject them to the dangers of the operation, especially since they were thriving despite their unique anatomy. When they learned of the grim survival rates, they decided to keep their daughters together rather than risk losing them.
The reality of the surgery was sobering, and any doubts about separating the girls vanished. They firmly believed their daughters should live unseparated lives, and as we are witness, it was the best decision because the girls have continued to flourish and lead fulfilling lives.
Almost Becoming Test Subjects
Despite refusing the separation surgery, the Hensels weren’t free from the pestering of medical professionals. They knew the doctors strongly desired to study their twins but were reluctant to subject them to extensive medical testing. Aware that their daughters would face unwanted scrutiny throughout their lives, they wanted to give them as normal a childhood as possible.
Physicians remained concerned about their overall well-being as the girls grew and maintained healthy everyday lives. Conjoined twins are at a higher risk for medical issues such as organ anomalies and congenital heart defects. To ensure their continued health, the sisters needed regular medical monitoring.
One Frightening Medical Emergency
Thankfully, the Hensel siblings did not experience any significant medical problems. However, when they were 12, a close call required emergency surgery. Afraid the situation was life-threatening, the medical professionals recommended a procedure to relieve the pressure on their lungs caused by their fused ribcages.
Because of their limited body space for two organs, their lungs didn’t have enough room as they grew. But the surgery was a success, and the doctors resolved the issue by expanding the twins’ ribcages to make more room for their growing organs. This allowed them to continue their everyday lives, and they were no longer in any danger.
Their Fascinating Biology
The biology of twins is an enthralling topic to wrap our heads around. Identical ones are born from a single egg that splits into two separate embryos, and one could say they are two peas in a pod. But, in the case of conjoined twins, the egg doesn’t divide completely, resulting in the birth of children whose bodies are fused.
Two children born at the same birth can be either identical or fraternal, but all conjoined twins are identical. Interestingly, fraternal twins can be male and female; however, the conjoined ones are always the same assigned genders at birth, with 70% being female.
Don’t Call Them Siamese Twins
Originally, kids born joined together were referred to as Siamese twins because the first known record of that type of birth happened in Siam, which is now modern Thailand. The brothers, Chang and Eng Bunker, were attached at the sternum in a way that they could still stand beside each other.
The term became the norm for such cases, starting in the 19th century, and is still often used interchangeably with the modern one, conjoined twins. However, it is a label that is now considered offensive and even derogatory as it unfairly associates the birth defect with the Thai people.
Living Their Best Lives
Abby and Brittany are not too worried about terminologies, though, because they are living their best lives regardless. They are shining examples of overcoming obstacles and achieving their dreams. And they demonstrate that no limitations exist for human potential with their determination to improve constantly, which is truly inspiring. Their upbringing has played a significant role in shaping them into grounded and cooperative individuals.
While everyday activities still present challenges, the Hensel sisters have honed their teamwork skills through years of practice. They have fun just like any other person would, as they embody the adage that practice makes perfect and constantly push themselves toward their goals.
They Know They Attract Attention
The Hensel sisters have come to terms with the fact that they will always draw attention wherever they go. While they do not relish the idea of strangers gawking at them or taking photos, they refuse to be prisoners of their physical appearance. Instead, they choose to maintain a social life, enjoying the company of their close-knit group of friends.
Still, they also value their privacy and have opted for a quiet, ordinary lifestyle that allows them to blend in with the crowd. Embracing their uniqueness, they’ve learned to balance being sociable while preserving their personal space without letting their condition dictate their lives.
Friends Turned Protectors
Try as they might to ignore the gawking eyes of strangers; sometimes, they can’t help but feel uncomfortable. But thankfully, Abby and Brittany have a supportive group of friends who double as their protectors, ensuring that no one invades their privacy. Erin Junkans, a close friend of the twins, takes that role seriously and is always vigilant of potential issues.
She believes her responsibility is to keep her friends safe and respects their preference for a low-key existence. If she detects anyone attempting to take unauthorized photos of the siblings, she quickly intervenes, blocking their view to protect their privacy.
What The Future Holds
There’s still so much we don’t know about what Abby and Brittany Hensel have been up to recently. And we can only hope the siblings will grace our screens again and offer a glimpse into their lives as fully independent women. Nevertheless, they have already given us a rare and invaluable insight into what it takes to navigate life as conjoined twins.
While they have been inactive on social media for a while, their remarkable story inspires others to stay strong and determined no matter their situation. Those lucky enough to know them in person must be in awe daily.
Like many, we can’t help but be fascinated by the life of conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel. People like them are rare, making up just 1% of all identical twin cases in the United States. But how have they lived such whole lives despite sharing the same body?
These girls are the world’s most well-known conjoined twins and achieved fame as co-leads of their popular TLC reality show “Abby and Brittany.” Now more than a decade later, they are capturing the world’s attention again as they’ve courageously broken even more barriers. And we bet you’re dying to know the details of their transition to adulthood…
