5 Shocking Truths About Conjoined Twins Who Got Married: Abby Hensel's Secret Wedding Revealed

The question of "Can conjoined twins get married?" has moved from a philosophical debate to a modern reality, with the world recently learning about the private life of one of the most famous pairs. As of December 15, 2025, the most significant and recent revelation is the marriage of Abby Hensel, one half of the celebrated Hensel twins, to U.S. Army veteran Josh Bowling. This news, which only came to light years after their private 2021 ceremony, has reignited global curiosity and discussion about the profound legal, ethical, and personal complexities of marriage and intimacy for individuals who share a body. The lives of conjoined twins, particularly those who seek conventional milestones like marriage, challenge societal norms and legal precedents. Their stories—like that of Abby Hensel and the more recently married Carmen Andrade—are powerful testaments to the universal human desire for love and companionship, forcing us to look beyond the medical marvel and focus on the separate, distinct personalities within.

Abby and Brittany Hensel: A Biographical Profile of the Married Twin

Abby and Brittany Hensel are perhaps the most famous conjoined twins in the world, having captured public attention since their birth in 1990 and through their TLC reality show, *Abby & Brittany*. Their marriage story has become a landmark case in the discussion of conjoined twins and personal autonomy.

• Full Names: Abigail "Abby" Loraine Hensel and Brittany "Britty" Lee Hensel
• Date of Birth: March 7, 1990
• Birth Location: Carver County, Minnesota, USA
• Type of Conjoinment: Dicephalic Parapagus (two heads, two separate necks, one torso)
• Shared Anatomy: They share a single bloodstream, and all organs below the waist, including the liver, bladder, diaphragm, and reproductive system.
• Separate Anatomy: Each twin has a separate heart, stomach, spine, spinal cord, and pair of lungs.
• Control: Abby controls the right side of the body, and Brittany controls the left. They coordinate their movements seamlessly for activities like driving, swimming, and playing sports.
• Education: Both graduated from Bethel University with degrees in education.
• Profession: They are fifth-grade teachers in their home state of Minnesota.
• Marriage: Abby Hensel married Josh Bowling, a nurse and U.S. Army veteran, in 2021. The wedding news became public in March 2024.
• Husband's Name: Joshua "Josh" Bowling

The Hensel twins' life is a remarkable study in duality. They have distinct personalities, tastes, and academic interests, yet they navigate the world as one physical entity. Abby's marriage to Josh Bowling is a powerful affirmation of her individual identity and the right to a private life, despite the public nature of their shared existence.

The Complexities of Marriage: Legal, Ethical, and Intimacy Questions

The marriage of a conjoined twin like Abby Hensel raises profound questions that challenge traditional legal and ethical frameworks surrounding matrimony.

1. The Legal Status of the Marriage

Legally, the marriage is between Abby Hensel and Josh Bowling. The core issue revolves around the recognition of the two distinct individuals within one body. In the United States, as Abby and Brittany are legally recognized as two separate people, Abby has the full legal right to marry. * Marital Consent: The law recognizes Abby's individual consent to the marriage contract. Brittany, while physically present, is not legally a party to the marriage. * Polygamy Laws: Because Brittany is a separate, unmarried individual, the marriage is not considered polygamous. The legal framework treats Abby and Brittany as two distinct citizens with individual rights, even sharing a driver's license due to their unique physical circumstances.

2. Navigating Intimacy and Privacy

The most sensitive and curious aspect for the public is how intimacy and privacy are managed within the marriage. While the twins have always maintained a high degree of privacy regarding their personal lives, the reality of their shared anatomy is undeniable. * Shared Sensory Input: Dicephalic parapagus twins share some sensory input below the neck, meaning Brittany would inevitably be aware of the intimate aspects of Abby's marriage. * The Three-Person Dynamic: The relationship inherently involves three people navigating what is traditionally a two-person bond. This requires immense emotional maturity, communication, and respect for boundaries from Abby, Brittany, and Josh Bowling.

3. Ethical and Societal Acceptance

The public's intense focus on the marriage highlights the gap between medical classification and human experience. The Hensel twins' choice to marry pushes society to accept that love and partnership can exist outside of physically separate bodies. Their ability to establish a deep, meaningful relationship with a partner is a powerful statement on the value of individual choice and emotional connection over physical form.

Other Conjoined Twin Love Stories and Legacies

While the Hensel twins are the most famous example, they are not the only conjoined individuals to pursue love and marriage. The history of conjoined twins includes other notable figures who have sought companionship, providing a broader context for Abby's journey.

The Case of Carmen Andrade: A Separate Recent Marriage

In a separate, but equally compelling, recent development, conjoined twin Carmen Andrade also revealed her marriage. Carmen, who is joined to her sister Lupita, quietly married her longtime boyfriend, Daniel McCormack, in October 2023. * Lupita's Perspective: Carmen and Lupita are also dicephalic parapagus twins, but unlike the Hensels, they have fewer shared organs and cannot be separated. Carmen has stated that Lupita is asexual and supportive of the marriage, viewing her and Daniel's relationship as a close friendship. * Dating Life: Carmen revealed that she met Daniel on a dating app in 2020. Their relationship, which culminated in marriage, further demonstrates the possibility of forming deep romantic bonds despite the shared-body dynamic. * Topical Authority Entity: Carmen and Lupita Andrade are key entities in this discussion, providing a second, recent, and distinct example of a conjoined twin choosing to marry.

The Legacy of Lori and George Schappell

To provide historical context and demonstrate the universal desire for love, the story of Lori and George Schappell is essential. Lori and George, who were the world's oldest living conjoined twins, sadly passed away in April 2024 at the age of 62. * Lori's Engagement: Lori Schappell was once engaged to be married to a man, though her fiancé tragically died in a car accident before the wedding. * Pursuit of Romance: Lori often spoke about her desire for a romantic life, even finding ways to have privacy on dates. This shows that the pursuit of love is a lifelong aspiration for many conjoined individuals, regardless of the physical challenges. * Separate Identities: George (who transitioned from Dori) and Lori were craniopagus twins (joined at the head) and fiercely maintained their separate identities, careers, and personal lives, underscoring the importance of individual autonomy.

5 Shocking Truths About Conjoined Twin Marriages

The journey of conjoined twins into marriage reveals truths that shatter conventional expectations and provide a deeper understanding of human relationships:

1. The Marriage is Legally Monogamous: Despite the presence of a third person (the unmarried twin), the legal system recognizes the marriage as a union between two individuals, Abby Hensel and Josh Bowling, adhering to anti-polygamy laws.
2. The Unmarried Twin's Consent is Crucial: While not a legal party, the emotional and personal "consent" and support of the unmarried twin (Brittany Hensel or Lupita Andrade) is paramount for the relationship's survival and harmony.
3. They Are Seen as Two Taxpayers: Abby and Brittany are legally considered two separate people, meaning they file separate tax returns and possess two passports, underscoring their full legal individuality in all aspects, including marriage.
4. Intimacy is a Private, Coordinated Act: The logistics of physical intimacy must be managed with extreme care, respect, and communication, making the Hensel-Bowling marriage a unique case study in shared-body relationships.
5. The Desire for Motherhood is Real: Abby and Brittany have expressed a desire for children. Given their shared reproductive system, this is medically possible, though it would be a high-risk pregnancy, adding another layer of complexity to their married life.

The marriages of conjoined twins like Abby Hensel and Carmen Andrade are not just sensational headlines; they are monumental steps forward in human rights and the recognition of personal autonomy. They force the world to confront its biases and acknowledge that love, commitment, and a fulfilling married life are possibilities for everyone, regardless of physical form. Their stories serve as powerful, modern examples of resilience, individual spirit, and the enduring quest for companionship.