Bismarck, N.D. (AP) A woman has given birth to conjoined twins in a Minneapolis hospital the second set of conjoined twins born to a North Dakota couple in less than a year.

Stacy and Suzy Fitterer named the identical girls Abygail Faith and Madysen Rose.

They were born Tuesday at the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview, joined at the abdomen.

Hospital officials say they weighed just under six pounds each, and were delivered by cesarean section.

Children's Hospital officials say preliminary tests show that the Fitterer twins share a liver. An ultrasound showed two separate and well-functioning hearts.

Three months ago, Abbigail and Isabelle Carlsen of Fargo were successfully separated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. They were joined at the chest and abdomen.

The family has posted photos of the girls at www.caringbridge.com/visit/abygailandmadysenfitterer, and will post periodic updates about the twins.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-10-06 2119CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list