Abby and Brittany Hensel parents made a decision not to perform the separation surgery on the twins. Mike and Patty thought the risk was too big for their children.

Doctors suggested a separation surgery for Abby and Brittany at birth, but the girls' parents considered it too dangerous. Hence, the girls learned to use a single torso in coordination.

A separation surgery had a high risk that either one or both of the children could lose their lives. Even if they manage to survive, the chances of getting disabled were equally there.

When Hensels made their first TV appearance, they were six years old and still learning to use their body in coordination. Their persistence to not go through the separation surgery allowed them to thrive with a single body.

In an interview, the twins said that they never wished to get separated because otherwise, they would never be able to do all the things like playing softball, running, and so on.

As the two sisters grew up, learned to walk, and developed other skills, their parents feel happy about the decision they made. They stated that the quality of life for their twin children would be far less had they been separated.

The case of the Hensel twins also caused concern for many medical experts. Some predicted that their life expectancy will be drastically reduced. Even at birth, the doctors were doubtful that the twins would survive the night after delivery.

Abby and Brittany have beaten all the odds, and the sisters have gone on to live healthy and full lives. They are living a life of a normal human beings and moving ahead with definite plans in life.