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Conjoined Twins

Conjoined twins are an incredibly rare and intriguing phenomenon. They are always identical and monoamniotic-monochorionic, (sharing the same amnion and chorion). Identical twins happen when one fertalized egg spontaneously splits into two identical halves. So, conjoined twins are thought to occur because of an extremely late split, one that does not completely separate into individual fetuses. The result is a set of twins who will have skin and even internal organs that are fused together.

Only 1 in approximately 100,000 to 200,000 births result in these type of twins born alive. About 50% are stillborn. Statistics imply that 35% born alive will survive only 24 hours. Interestingly, male twins are more likely to become attached, but female twins are more likely to be born alive (females make up 70% of all conjoined twins).

The first set of conjoined twins to garner international fame were Chang and Eng Bunker. They were born in Thailand in 1811 (which was known as Siam at the time). Because of their roots, the term "Siamese Twins" was born. Although, the term is rarely used today and is now considered quite inappropriate.

Perhaps the most endearing and spirited conjoined twins known today are Abby and Brittany Hensel. See their video and several others...





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