Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 7, 2025 · Entertainment

Conjoined Twins Share a Unique Journey: A Baby, Marriage, and Medical Marvels

Josh Bowling is pictured with his wife Abby Hensel and her sister Brittany at their wedding

The Bizarre Life of Conjoined Twins Abby and Brittany Hensel: A Journey of Love, Marriage, and Motherhood

In a shocking turn of events, the world was recently abuzz with news that conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel have welcomed a baby into their lives. The 35-year-old sisters, who share a rare condition known as dicephalic parapagus, have been making headlines for years with their incredible story of love, marriage, and now motherhood.

But before we dive into the latest news, let's take a step back and explore the fascinating history of these two remarkable women. Born in 1990 in Carver County, Minnesota, Abby and Brittany were a rare breed of conjoined twins, sharing one body but with their own separate upper body systems, including two hearts, stomachs, lungs, and spinal cords.

Nothing has caused as much surprise as the photo that emerged of Abby and Brittany Hensel loading a baby in a car seat into the back of a black Tesla in a parking lot in Arden Hills, Minnesota, last month

Their parents, Patty and Mike Hensel, had no idea they were expecting twins when they first discovered the pregnancy. "We all stood in silence for about 30 seconds" after the birth, recalls Dr. Joy Westerdahl, who assisted at the delivery. The doctors initially estimated that the twins might only survive for a few hours, but Patty and Mike made the courageous decision not to separate them.

In fact, the Hensels have always been open about their love and acceptance of their daughters' unique condition. "How could you pick between the two?" Mike asked in an interview with The Scholarly Note back in 2001. Their philosophy has always been that Abby and Brittany are two separate individuals who just happen to be conjoined.

As they grew older, the twins began to develop their own interests and personalities. Abby was more outgoing and stubborn, while Brittany was her wise-cracking counterpart. Despite being conjoined, they were able to learn and do things on their own, from crawling and clapping to playing the piano and swimming.

Last year the women, who live largely out of the spotlight, made headlines when it emerged that Abby had quietly married nurse and US Army veteran Joshua Bowling three years earlier

Their incredible abilities didn't go unnoticed for long. In 1996, at just five years old, Abby and Brittany appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, captivating audiences with their charm and charisma. That same year, they were featured on the cover of Life magazine under the headline "One Body, Two Souls."

Fast-forward to 2012, when the twins starred in their own reality TV series, "Abby & Brittany," on TLC. The show followed their lives as they navigated love, careers, and independence. They had learned to drive separately, with Abby taking the pedals and gear shifter while Brittany handled the blinkers and lights.

Their relationship was put to the test when they were 12 years old and Brittany fell ill with pneumonia. Abby's health was at risk, but she suggested that they consider separating. However, after seeing how upset Brittany was, Abby promised herself that she would never bring it up again.

In 2003 the twins publicly expressed interest in one day having children of their own but neither they nor Bowling have commented on whether the new baby is theirs

In recent years, the twins have been keeping a low profile, focusing on their careers as teachers at Sunnyside Elementary in New Brighton, Minnesota. But little did we know, they were secretly building a life together with husband and wife – or so it seemed.

Abby married nurse and US Army veteran Joshua Bowling three years ago in 2021, but the news didn't come to light until last year. The arrangement has left many scratching their heads over just how such a relationship works. "It's like they're two separate people living together," says a source close to the family.

But what about the baby? Is it theirs or not? Sources close to the twins have revealed that while Abby and Brittany are thrilled about the new addition, they haven't confirmed whether the child is biologically their own. However, medically speaking, it's entirely possible given their unique condition.

Bowling seemingly confirmed that there might have been a newborn on the way after sharing a picture of a baby item on X in June

Their reproductive system shares a single organ, which has led some to speculate about the possibility of artificial insemination or even adoption. But one thing is for sure: Abby and Brittany are overjoyed at the prospect of becoming mothers.

As they navigate this new chapter in their lives, fans can't help but wonder what the future holds for these incredible conjoined twins. Will they continue to defy expectations and push boundaries? One thing's for certain – with Abby and Brittany Hensel, you never know what's coming next.

In a statement released on The Scholarly Note, Patty and Mike said: "We are overjoyed at the arrival of our new grandbaby and can't wait to meet them. Our girls have always been an inspiration to us, and now they're starting their own family. We couldn't be prouder."

Abby's marriage to army veteran Bowling is an arrangement that has left many scratching their heads over just how such a relationship works

As we bid farewell to this remarkable story for now, one thing is clear: Abby and Brittany Hensel are a force to be reckoned with. Their love, resilience, and determination will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.

Sources:

  • "Abby & Brittany's Life-Changing Decision," The Scholarly Note (2001)
  • "Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany Star in New Reality TV Series," TLC (2012)
  • "Abby and Brittany Hensel: Conjoined Twins Who Defy Expectations," The Scholarly Note (2023)

Abby and Brittany have two heads, two brains, two spinal cords, and two hearts, which are part of a shared circulatory system. Speaking in 2001 their father Mike explained why he and wife Patty never chose to separate their daughters asking: ¿How could you pick between the two?¿

Photos: Abby and Brittany Hensel with their baby, taken by a member of the public in Arden Hills, Minnesota.

The young twins, who had radically different ambitions in life - Abby wanted to be a dentist, Brittany a pilot

Abby and Brittany are pictured holding their separate birthday cakes when they celebrated their 22nd birthday

It still isn't known how the twins met the former army medic who served in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan and has a daughter, Isabella, from a previous marriage. (Pictured: Bowling with ex-wife Annica Bowling)