Two American women born as conjoined twins—sharing one torso but having two heads—have taken different paths in life: one is married, while the other remains single, even though they share the same reproductive system.

Abigail (Abby) and Brittany (Britty) Hensel were born in Minnesota, United States, on March 7, 1990, as dicephalic parapagus twins. They have two heads and one body, but inside are many duplicated organs that function separately.

Each has her own heart, lungs, stomach, liver, intestines, and kidneys. Their skeletal system is partly fused, with Abby controlling the right side of the body and Brittany the left.

Since birth, they have had to coordinate every aspect of life. They learned to walk by synchronizing their legs, to eat by managing one arm each—Abby the right, Brittany the left—and to write, work, and play only through teamwork. It is nearly impossible for one to be awake while the other sleeps.

When it comes to meals, each controls one hand, so one may hold a cup while the other brings food to her mouth. Importantly, food eaten by one does not nourish the other, but they must still share mealtimes to keep both healthy and energized.

The sisters pursued their education together, attending school in Minnesota and later graduating from Bethel University in 2012. They returned to their home state, where they now work as primary school teachers in New Brighton.

Their personal lives, however, diverged. In 2021, Abby fell in love with Joshua “Josh” Bowling, a U.S. Army veteran and nurse. The two legally married, making Abby a wife, while Brittany chose to remain single. Despite sharing the same genitalia, Brittany has expressed contentment with her independence.

Today, Brittany says she enjoys her life as a teacher and takes pride in supporting Abby while continuing their close bond. Though their marital status differs, the Hensel twins continue to navigate life as inseparable partners—two individuals sharing one extraordinary body.