A new set of conjoined twins was born in Phoenix yesterday. They are joined from the chest down, facing each other. They were born holding each other. They say that they have an excellent chance of living apart. What do you think? I remember first learning about the conjoined twins that have one body and two heads, they are the Hensel twins of Minn. (youtube them if you havent' seen them)

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articl...Conjoined.html

I am curious what you all think.

Even if there is a chance that one wouldn't survive, I would still chose to have the separation surgery. What an awful way to grow up..IMHO.

I'm with Sally on this one. I wouldn't want to live life joined to another person. Even if it's my twin. I think beyond school being difficult with bullies and what not, what about relationships later on in life?

I do agree, but it also amazes me how the Hensel twins live their life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkKWApOAG2g

The chance at some semblance of normalcy is worth the risk of the surgery. I feel so badly for Lori and (cant think of her name) that are joined at the head. They are amazing women, but the struggles they have had to face. Oh my. I just saw an update show on the other girls, who are driving now! and they are wonderful. Face forward they are able to make their way in the world, and have become so well co ordinated. what troupers.

me? my child? I would have the surgery.

we had a set of conjoined twins here in the denver area.
they were separated and have done very well with lots of PT.

i believe that if after careful evaluation and testing it's possible to separate them that it should be done.

it was not possible in the case of the hensel's. they've learned to adjust and are happy to accept that in their lives.

may i say that's it's also the parents and family that play a huge role in getting their children thru something like this whether they're separated or not.

if it were my kids i would do it.

Oh, for sure, I'd do it if it were my children. Give them the best chance for a "normal" life. How sweet to be born hugging each other. Awww!

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It sounds like these twins should have a good chance for successful separation, since they each have their own organs. I would definitely choose to separate if they were my kids. I love to watch shows about things like this on Discovery Health. It's truly amazing what they can accomplish now.

I would want them to be separated so they can live their own lives. Yes, there is the possibility that one or both might not withstand the surgery; it would be such a traumatic experience for all.

We had a set of twins born to Jake and Erin Herrin, Maliyah and Kendra Herrin here in Utah in 2002 and separated in 2006. They were joined at the abdomen and pelvis, sharing a kidney, liver, bladder and large intestine, as well as other organs.

The surgery was historic in that it was the first successful separation of conjoined twins who shared a kidney, which remained with Kendra. Maliyah received a kidney transplant in April 2007. (Her mother, Erin, donated a kidney for the transplant.) They both have on leg and it is hoped that both girls will receive a prosthetic leg.

Here is a link to their website if you are interested…

http://herrintwins.com/index.htm

I also would want to have them separated - and I would want to be aso....