the close bond that develops from sharing every aspect of life, from learning and working to enjoying similar activities, can be incredibly strong between conjoined twins. disagreements and heated arguments are inevitable, but the unique connection often leads to quick resolutions, apologies, and a return to lighthearted companionship.
from the moment of birth, the inseparable nature of conjoined twins is evident.
in one particular instance, douglas experienced complications with his umbilical cord and required immediate medical attention. during his absence, his twin exhibited signs of distress until douglas returned, highlighting the deep-seated emotional connection between them.
even basic needs like eating were intertwined, with one twin waiting for the other before consuming anything.
this early dependency can evolve into a dynamic where one twin acts as a "test dummy" for the other. the more outgoing twin, often hesitant due to shyness or fear, might encourage the other to try new experiences first.
whether it's swimming, interacting with unfamiliar animals, or even something as daring as jumping from a high diving board, the first twin finds reassurance in the other's experience before venturing out themselves.
exploring individuality and identity
parents often observe this dynamic, recalling instances where one twin might even push the other into new situations, like a slide, before attempting it themselves.
as they transition into adulthood, particularly after high school, one twin may begin to explore their sexuality and individual identity. during this introspective period, the other twin might sense a change, noticing that their sibling isn't behaving as they usually do.
sharing this newfound understanding with the other twin can be a significant moment.
in one case, after accepting his sexuality, one twin immediately confided in his brother. this act of vulnerability strengthened their bond and allowed the twin to feel more authentic. while it may have been a surprise initially, the other twin offered unwavering support, solidifying their relationship.
despite their shared existence, conjoined twins are distinct individuals.
advancements in epigenetics reveal how even twins, who share a genetic blueprint, can develop different characteristics. being a twin can be an incredibly enriching experience, with the other twin serving as a best friend and confidant. the mutual support and unwavering presence in each other's lives create an unbreakable bond.
the journey of conjoined twins is a testament to the power of connection and the complexities of individuality.
it's a story of shared experiences, personal growth, and the unwavering support that defines their unique relationship.
conjoined twins in the media
insight, an australian forum for debate and personal stories, has explored the lives of twins, including conjoined twins, in depth.
their programs offer a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of living in such a close partnership.
you can catch up on insight's series on twins, parts 1 and 2, online.
for more in-depth information about twins, you can follow insight on social media. insight provides compelling and unique points of view about life through powerful storytelling and insightful analysis.
they offer thought-provoking content about a multitude of subjects, including unique family dynamics.
sbs news provides daily updates from australia and around the world. they have several platforms where news can be accessed, like the morning or afternoon newsletters.
following sbs news via social media, downloading their apps, and listening to their podcasts are other ways to stay informed.
conjoined twins: medical and ethical considerations
alice dreger, a prominent bio-ethicist and northwestern professor, has written extensively on the ethical implications of conjoined twins.
her article in the atlantic delves into the complexities surrounding their lives, including aspects of sexuality and autonomy.
the discovery of a two-headed snake in south carolina highlights the fascinating anomalies that can occur in nature. unlike typical conjoined snakes where the heads branch from the same neck, this particular snake had a head at each end of its body.
each head possessed its own eyes and tongue, making it a truly unique specimen. this discovery draws a comparison to the yellow-lipped sea krait, whose tail resembles its head, further emphasizing the remarkable diversity in the animal kingdom.
the ethical considerations extend to the entertainment industry as well.
when conjoined twins are involved in circuses or performances, questions arise about contracts and individual rights. should they be treated as a single entity or as two separate individuals?
the hensels: a case study
the tlc show featuring abby and brittany hensel offers a compelling glimpse into the daily lives of conjoined twins.
the series follows them as they navigate their senior year at bethel university, travel to europe, and pursue teaching careers. what's particularly interesting is how abby and brittany are treated as two separate legal entities by bethel university.
in episode 2, the twins prepare for a job interview at a houston elementary school.
despite both seeking teaching positions, they acknowledge that they perform the job of one person and would only request a single salary. you can watch episodes 1 and 2 to get to know the twins better.
consider the scenario of abby and brittany on a moped.
if they were caught speeding, who would receive the infraction?
a previous documentary revealed that both twins had to pass the written portion of the driving test separately. one twin controls the steering, while the other operates the pedals, highlighting their shared control of the vehicle.
legal and ethical dilemmas
the legal personhood of conjoined twins raises complex questions.
while there has never been an american court ruling on the matter, it's likely that they would be considered distinct individuals. in order to convict someone of a crime, the state must prove that they committed a guilty act with a guilty mind.
unless a prosecutor can demonstrate that both twins committed a guilty act, such as murder, with the intent to commit murder, the state cannot convict them both.
however, the court could compel one twin to testify against the other. while spousal privilege exists in many states, there is rarely such a privilege between siblings.
in extremely rare cases of conjoined twins with fused brains, the court might view them as a single person in the eyes of the law.
in such a scenario, that person could not be compelled to testify against themselves under the fifth amendment.
the case of lazarus and joannes baptista colloredo, 17th-century italian conjoined twins, illustrates the legal complexities. lazarus was arrested for stabbing a man to death for teasing him and his parasitic twin brother.
although sentenced to death, he received a reprieve because the court determined that executing lazarus would also kill his innocent conjoined twin.
historical context
chang and eng bunker, perhaps the most famous conjoined twins, traveled the world exhibiting their intertwined bodies.
they eventually settled in the blue ridge mountains of north carolina, where they became farmers and raised families with their wives, who were also sisters.