The Impact of Separated Twins' Stories

Sep 13, 2024

Lecture on Identical Twins and Adoption

Introduction

  • Subject: Story of Howard Burek and Doug Rausch, identical twins separated at birth.
  • Background: Doug Rausch discovered he had a twin in 2004 through the adoption service, Louise Wise, as it was shutting down.

Discovery and Reunion

  • Doug was informed by a dying woman from Louise Wise with a guilty conscience.
    • She risked getting into trouble to reveal the truth.
  • Doug learns about his twin brother, Howard, while driving.
  • Doug and Howard reunited after two years and felt an instant connection.

Similarities and Life Patterns

  • Both lead parallel lives:
    • Laid-back personality.
    • Prefer not to use condiments.
    • Both have three children of similar ages.
    • Coaches hockey despite not playing as children.
    • Married in the same year.
    • Keep wallets in front pockets.
  • "It's like looking in a mirror" experience upon meeting.
  • Share almost identical DNA.

Other Cases of Separated Twins

  • Sharon Morello's story of finding her identical twin via Facebook.
    • Shared similar life choices, including naming their children Joshua.
  • 1980 case of identical triplets separated at birth: Robert Chaffron, Eddie Galland, and David Kelman.
    • Became public figures on national TV.

Psychological Study on Separated Twins

  • Twins and triplets were secretly separated and enrolled in a psychological study.
    • Adoptive families were unaware.
    • Intrusive childhood experiences with strangers conducting psychological tests.
    • Study intended to observe developmental differences.

Conclusion

  • The stories of these separated siblings highlight the ethical concerns and emotional impacts of separating twins and triplets, and the controversial adoption practices of the past.