Mankato, Minnesota – Conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel have captured the nation’s attention since their appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 1996. The sisters recently achieved a significant life milestone as Abby entered into marriage with Josh Bowling, a nurse and U.S. Army veteran, in 2021.
Educated in Minnesota and graduates with degrees in education, the Hensel twins then starred in their own TLC reality series, “Abby and Brittany,” which showcased their adventures in driving, traveling to Europe, and even riding a moped. Today, both 34 years old, Abby and Brittany are elementary school teachers in their home state.
Despite being conjoined twins, the sisters lead independent lives with Abby controlling their right arm and leg, and Brittany managing the left side. Born in 1990, their parents, Patty and Mike Hensel, made the decision against separation surgery due to the risks involved, opting for them to grow up together in harmony.
The odds of conjoined twins like Abby and Brittany is rare, with only about one in 200,000 live births resulting in this condition. In the past, the Hensel twins have expressed interest in one day becoming mothers, knowing that their shared organs can function for them to have children in the future.
In a 2003 documentary, Patty Hensel shared that her daughters have aspirations of motherhood, emphasizing that at 16 years old, they have not yet delved deeply into the logistics of being parents. Abby and Brittany’s unique journey continues to inspire and captivate audiences with their resilience, determination, and unwavering bond.