Conjoined twins CT occurs when twins are joined at birth sometimes sharing organs and may be separable depending on the degree of fusion It is rare only occurring in the estimate of 1 in 50 000 to 1 in 100 000 according to Hanson as cited by Mutchinick et al 2011 However CT is also evident in other species including fish birds and other mammals Canfield et al 2000 According to the University of Maryland Medical Center over 40 percent of CT are stillborn and about 35 die after one day The article also states that although more male twins are conjoined females about 70 are three times more likely to be born alive Due to the unknown nature of conjoined twins further research into the subject allows scientists to understand development during pregnancy and explore the effects on various parts of CT while analyzing its prevalence under different conditions The earliest recorded case of CT was the pygopagus girls Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst of Biddenden England born in 1100 The duo became known as the Biddenden Maids and died in 1134 Kamal Minkes 2016
