Remembering the Hensel Family: A New Lens on a Unique Life

The Hensel family, particularly conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel, have captured public imagination for decades. Recent media attention reignited after news surfaced about Abby's marriage. This renewed interest provides an opportunity to revisit their story, understanding not just their unique physical circumstances, but also the legal, ethical, and societal implications they navigate.

Who are the Hensel Twins?

Abigail (Abby) and Brittany Hensel are dicephalic parapagus twins, a rare form of conjoinment where they share a body from the torso down. They were born on March 7, 1990, in Carver County, Minnesota, to Patty and Mike Hensel. Dicephalic twins are exceedingly rare, occurring in approximately 1 out of every 50,000 to 100,000 births. Most do not survive. What makes the Hensel twins' story truly remarkable is their ability to thrive and lead independent lives despite their shared anatomy.

What is Unique About Their Condition?

Each twin controls one side of their body. Abby controls the right arm and leg, while Brittany controls the left. They have separate hearts, stomachs, lungs, and kidneys. However, they share a liver, bladder, and reproductive system. Learning to coordinate their movements, particularly walking and driving, required intense effort and cooperation from a young age. They developed a remarkable ability to intuitively anticipate each other's actions, showcasing the brain's plasticity and capacity for adaptation.

When Did They Gain Public Attention?

The Hensel twins first gained widespread public attention in 1996 when they appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and in Life Magazine. This early exposure introduced the world to their extraordinary story of resilience and adaptation. They were later the subject of a TLC documentary series, "Abby & Brittany," which aired in 2012, offering a glimpse into their everyday lives as they navigated their careers as fifth-grade teachers and pursued personal interests.

Where Have They Lived and Worked?

The Hensel twins have primarily lived in their home state of Minnesota. They graduated from Bethel University in 2012 with degrees in education. Following graduation, they secured teaching positions at an elementary school, demonstrating their commitment to education and their desire to contribute to their community. More recently, they have maintained a low public profile, focusing on their personal lives and careers.

Why Are They Considered Notable?

The Hensel twins are notable for several reasons. First, their survival and ability to lead relatively normal lives despite their complex conjoined condition is medically significant. Second, their story challenges societal perceptions of disability and what constitutes a "normal" life. They demonstrate that individuals with unique physical challenges can achieve personal and professional success. Third, their story raises ethical questions about the potential for separation surgery and the quality of life that such surgeries might provide. Their parents famously chose against separation, believing that the risk to their daughters' lives and the potential for decreased quality of life were too great.

Historical Context: Conjoined Twins in Society

Historically, conjoined twins have often been viewed with a mixture of fascination, fear, and superstition. In some cultures, they were considered omens, either good or bad. Medical understanding of conjoinment was limited, and surgical separation was rarely attempted until the 20th century. The most famous conjoined twins in history are Chang and Eng Bunker, born in Siam (now Thailand) in 1811. They toured extensively as a "freak show" attraction, highlighting the exploitative nature of public fascination with such conditions. Over time, medical advances and increased awareness have led to a more compassionate and nuanced understanding of conjoined twins.

Current Developments: Abby's Marriage and Renewed Interest

The recent news of Abby Hensel's marriage to Josh Bowling, a nurse and veteran, has brought renewed attention to the family. The marriage, reportedly taking place in 2021, was not widely publicized until recently. This development highlights the Hensel twins' commitment to living fulfilling personal lives and challenges assumptions about relationships and disability. While the family has largely kept their personal lives private, the public interest underscores the ongoing fascination with their story.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The Hensel twins' situation raises numerous legal and ethical considerations. These include questions about individual autonomy within a shared body, legal rights related to medical decisions, and the complexities of marriage and family law when dealing with conjoined individuals. For example, questions might arise regarding inheritance, property ownership, and parental rights should Abby and Josh choose to have children. These issues are largely uncharted territory for the legal system, requiring careful consideration and potentially setting precedents for future cases involving individuals with unique physical circumstances.

Likely Next Steps

Moving forward, several potential developments could unfold.

• Continued Privacy: The Hensel family may continue to maintain a relatively low profile, focusing on their personal lives and careers. Given their past experiences with media attention, they may prioritize privacy and control over their narrative.


• Limited Public Appearances: They may occasionally grant interviews or participate in documentaries to raise awareness about their condition and advocate for disability rights. However, these appearances are likely to be carefully managed and controlled.


• Legal Precedents: As Abby's marriage progresses, legal questions related to their unique circumstances may arise, potentially leading to the establishment of new legal precedents regarding marriage, family law, and individual autonomy for conjoined individuals.


• Medical Advancements: Continued advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques could potentially offer new options for conjoined twins in the future. However, any such interventions would require careful ethical consideration and a thorough assessment of risks and benefits.


• Increased Understanding and Acceptance: The Hensel twins' story can serve as a catalyst for increased understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities and unique physical conditions. By sharing their experiences, they can challenge societal biases and promote inclusivity.

In conclusion, the Hensel twins' story is a testament to human resilience, adaptation, and the power of the human spirit. Their unique circumstances have captivated the public for decades, raising important questions about disability, autonomy, and the meaning of a fulfilling life. As they continue to navigate their lives, their story will undoubtedly continue to evolve, offering valuable insights into the complexities of human existence and challenging us to broaden our understanding of what it means to live a meaningful life.