Conjoined twins are rare, but can be formed into one of the many various types of conjoined twins

through a unique form of production during pregnancy (Unknown 2, 2013). They can be separated, but the process is risky, and dangerous (Unknown 1, 2014). Two people or bodies connected together is so rare and unusual to the rest of the world, that it is "not normal." However, this is all some twins know. To them, being conjoined is their own personal normal. This topic teaches people that there is no true normal. All normal really is, is what people are used to, and what is most common to them. The society chooses a normal, and blows it out of proportion. Just because there aren't any models with down syndrome or autism, doesn't mean that these type of people don't exist. The bottom line is, although conjoined twins are rare, they exist. They are out there, and they are no di!erent than anyone else. Sure, maybe they visit the doctor a little bit more, or struggle a bit more with daily tasks, but this doesn't change the fact that they are just normal human beings." " Conjoined twins form in a rare process in which the twins do not fully separate before being conceived (Unknown 2, 2013). There are actually two theories that could explain how conjoined twins form (Unknown 1, 2014). One theory says that conjoined twins start as a single fertilized egg. This egg begins to split into two identical twins, but it does not fully separate before being conceived. Thus, they are born as two identical twins that simply have not nished splitting, and are still connected (Unknown 1, 2014). Another theory states that the fertilized egg completely separates into two identical twins, but then begins to refuse before birth (Unknown 3, 2009). One nal very strange process occurs when one of the conjoined twins dies while in the mother's stomach. The dominant twin would be the one to stay alive, and it would begin to absorb the recessive twin that has passed. If the absorption process is complete, the dead twin disappears, but if the absorption process is not complete, the dominant twin may be born with extra limbs. These are leftover arms, or legs from the passed fetus (Unknown 3, 2009). Since conjoined twins often share some organs, but have two sets of other organs, their bodies usually struggle a lot more at surviving. About 40% of all cases of conjoined twins are stillborn, meaning that they are not alive when they are born (Unknown 1, 2014). Also, 35% of the 60% that are born alive, only survive for the rst day of their new lives (Unknown 1,

2014). Although there are known cases in which conjoined twins have lived full and happy lives, it is rare. Only about 5-25% of all conjoined twins survive for a substantial life time (Unknown 2, 2013). The chances of giving birth to conjoined twins is not hereditary. It is completely random, much like normal twins (Unknown 3, 2009)." " There are many types of conjoined twins; varying in the organs that they sure, where they are connected, and how common that certain type of conjoined twin is. The most common kind of conjoined twin;making up 40% of all cases is called thoracopagus (Unknown 2, 2013). These twins are connected at the chest. They share a heart, and possibly a liver, biliary tract, or upper digestive system. Conjoined twins that are connected from the breastbone to the waist may either be called omphalopagus, or xiphopagus (Unknown 1, 2014). Pygopagus twins are conjoined at the sacrum, or the butt. This type makes up 20% of all cases. Pygopagus twins may share a nervous system, parts of their skeleton, parts of their lower digestive track, or their genitals (Unknown 1, 2014). Ischiopagus, meaning joined in the pelvic area makes up 6%, and craniophagus, meaning joined at the head makes up about 2% of all cases (Unknown 2, 2013). There are so many possibilities of where conjoined twins are connected, because when they are separating, or refusing in the pregnant women's body, they may be resting in di!erent positions, an therefore begin separation in di!erent locations. The type of conjoined twin also e!ects the rate of survival. " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "

" " " " Figure 1: Figure one displays how di!erent types of conjoined twins may appear before they are born. For the most part, conjoined twins of the same type look the same. However, they may be connected slightly di!erently than the images show depending on their position in the womb (Figure 1). As you can see in the image, the twins all began separating, but could not fully separate before being conceived (Unknown 3, 2009). The connected portion is the portion that was not able to separate in time" " Scientists and doctors have discovered a process that allows for separation of some types of conjoined twins, but the procedure has many risks and negative impacts. Although technology is advancing over time, there are still many aws in a huge procedure like this. In fact, in many cases survival is more likely by just leaving the twins connected (Unknown 1, 2014). However, the chances of success and survival in separation almost entirely depends on the type of conjoined twin the doctors are separating (Unknown 1, 2014). For example, twins who are conjoined at the spine have a 68% chance of survival after separation, while there are no known survivors of separation of twins connected by the heart (Unknown 2, 2013). In some situations only one twin is able to survive! Also, even if separation is possible, imagine the processes that would follow. First of all, not only would the twins have to go through MAJOR physical therapy, but also, imagine the mental rehabilitation the twins would need (Unknown 1, 2014). They literally spend every waking moment together. They eat together, sleep together, go to school or work together, play together, drive together, talk to one another. They are never apart. Separation could cause them to go through extreme loneliness even if they are still siblings. This is why most separation procedures are conducted within the rst 6-12 months of their lives (Unknown 1, 2014)." " Conjoined twins denitely aren't common. In fact, only about 1 in every 50,000-200,000 pregnancies result in conjoined twins (Unknown 2, 2013). However, it has happened, and it will continue to happen. This is why it is important for the society to get this "normal" theory out of their head and treat everyone the same. Normal isn't even a thing. It's an

opinion. So instead of comparing people to our denition of normal, why don't we just learn about everybody's conditions, accept it, and move on? Yes, the stories of conjoined twins are uncommon, but they are real. Conjoined twins are rare, and can be formed into one of the many various types of conjoined twins through a unique form of production during pregnancy. " " Bibliography: " " (Unknown 1, 2014)" " "Conjoined Twins." Seattle Children's Hospital. Accessed April 08, 2014. http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/chromosomalgenetic-conditions/conjoined-twins/." " " (Unknown 2, 2013)" " "Facts About the Twins." University of Maryland Medical Center. Accessed April 7, 2014. http://umm.edu/programs/conjoined-twins/factsabout-the-twins." " (Unknown 3, 2009)" " "Understanding Genetics." Understanding Genetics. Accessed April 09, 2014. http://genetics.thetech.org/ask/ask299." " (Figure 1)" " "Conjoined Twins." APSA Family Site. Accessed April 10, 2014. http:// www.eapsa.org/AM/Template.cfm" " " " " " " "

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