For Woman, 8+6=14 Babies Now

The woman who gave birth to octuplets last week already had six children, bringing her brood to a whopping 14, the Los Angeles Times reported today.

"It's going to be difficult," said the woman's mother, Angela Suleman.

When the woman became pregnant this time, with what was to become octuplets, doctors gave her the option of removing some of the embryos, her mother said, but she declined.

Scrutiny of the case continues because, as the Times wrote, it "prompted disapproval from some medical ethicists and fertility specialists, who argue that high-number multiple births endanger the mother and also frequently lead to long-term health and developmental problems for the children."

"What I do is just explain the facts," said Dr. Harold Henry, who helped deliver the octuplets. "I always talk about the risks. The mother weighs those options, and she chooses the option based on spiritual or personal makeup."

It remains unknown who provided fertility treatment to the woman and why — given that egg implantations are typically limited to two or three — so many babies became possible.

Related articles:

TOPICS

For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.