Birth Of Octuplets Spurs Debate

You would think that to do a procedure where your patient may possibly have eight children at one time, there would be a psychiatric exam done! She clearly has issues that need to be resolved. I wonder if she is one of these women that "loves" babies but as the child ages, she loses interest, and "needs" another infant? I knew a woman like that, she had 8 children, and the older ones ended up raising the younger ones, once the mother lost interest after they started becoming more independant. So then that creates problems in the older children lives being tied down to their younger siblings, and being responsible for their well being. Two of her older daughters married military men at very young ages, just to get out of that home. The reprocusions are very sad.

Wouldn't you just LOVE to see the hospital bill on this?! 46 DOCTORS. How many nurses and other staff were needed? It just boggles my mind. I do think had she been a married woman and these were her first children people would be reacting much differently. Not that I don't feel the same way as most considering her circumstances. I will not support her 'fame' by buying any magazine that she sells her story and babies pictures off to for the highest price. I would like to know more about the fertility clinic she used. How could the Dr. be so irresponsible. I don't know of any reason so many embryo's would have been transferred to a woman that already has children. This whole story just makes me question her sanity and I wish the best for those babies.

I don't believe that having more children was in the best interest of the mother, her existing children, or the newborns. Ultimately, though, this was her choice. I don't believe it's the doctor's job to decided whether or not someone can receive invitrofertilization based upon how many children they already have. They aren't there to judge. I don't know why they implanted so many embryoes, though. Eight is excessive.

She can have the right to so many kids if she is willing to pay for them. Somehow I doubt she is footing the bill for this!

I believe that every woman should have the right to decide how many children to have, but to an extent. How can one woman care for 14 children on her own? And with no father figure at all. It's not fair that tax payers should have to pay for someone's choice to have so many children and not have a job to pay for them. It's a shame that these children will end up suffering. I would also like to know how she paid to have the procedure to begin with. Poor children.

I wouldn't want to tell any woman what to do with her body, and this is a very grey area. But...These babies and their mother were at risk during the whole pregnancy. I think fertility treatments should be used for women who really need them. This lady was already blessed with 6 children. Why put your health on the line?

She is crazy and she has 6 kids already. now 8 more. the doctors are crazy to what were they thinking? Making a name for them selves? now they are in the news. 46 doctors in on this! Who is paying all these doctors who is paying for the hospital bill? They are no doing this for free ! single mom with 8 more babies to take care of on her own! she is nuts! there are so many babies out there that could have her love why add more to this world! dumba$$!

I think she is a very brave woman to have so many children.MORE POWER TO HER! About financially, isn't a true family one that helps you when your in need? I Know some people that are useing tax payers money that really shouldn't be getting that money. About takeing care of all the children....Where theres a will theres a way! about the selling pictures... so those contests of babies pictures at your local wal-mart or wherever that must be people selling their kids too. USA is FREEDOM! I know some single mothers that are better mothers than married ones. I think everyone should let her live her own life and keep their noses out of it!

As I understand she is depending on the media to pay her for pictures and interviews to help her support these children. This means she is selling her kids chance for a private normal life. This is wrong any way I look at it. The grandmother said she is leaving. What a sad story. Its like a form of prostitution for your kids.

I tink that having children as a money maker is wrong. The doctors that did this were wrong. I agree with what everyone else has said. What about if there are complications to the childrens health?? They have said that the next 2 years anything can happen. Who is going to financially and emotionally support these children if they problems. Having children is wonderful but when you are now looking to sell your story to the highest bidder that is wrong

I think this is a no brainer, no ethical medical professional should have done this to this woman, her existing children and her unborn babies. She needs mental health care. I do think, as apossitive offshoot, this can open up a real discussion about IVF in America which might be refreshing.

Puts me in shock too. She hasn't worked since she first started having kids, her parents bought her a house, her parents went bankrupt and had to move in to the house. Each pregnancy was from IVF?! Even her parents think she was in the wrong and told reporters they wish she hadn't had this many kids (to include the first 6) and needs a job. She (the mother of the 14 kids) has actually come out and expects to make $$$ from a book deal, TV Shows and believes she is what other mothers look up to and that she is the best mom in the world........ I am a single working mother and I bust my a## everyday. No, I am not on any programs either. Unfortunately, I live in California and foresee my tax dollars going hard at work to support her 14 kids.....

This story just strikes me as so odd. I mean did the doctors really consider this lady's mental health before implanting more embryos? Did they consider if she can handle the children financialy? This is just a sad story..... for the kids, mom, grandmom.... my heart goes out to all of the kids and new babies....

Very insightful posts, ladies. I have had trouble understanding this situation entirely... Divorced, unemployed and 14 children. It is absurd. I feel like everyone made poor judgement calls. the Mother, the Doctors, the IVF clinic. At what point does a mother of 6, divorced decide to get IVF to try for more? I don't believe the government should limit natural birth, i.e. China. But common sense would seem to dictate the lack of responsibility on both parties.

I agree with everyone on here- great posts!! It is a sad situation.