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Mom of octuplets (and six other kids) ignites debate on ethics, financial responsibilities
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More is being discovered about the mystery mom in California who birthed octuplets on Monday. It’s well-known now that she has six other children ranging from approximately 2-7 years old. Although the woman’s identity has not yet been revealed, CBS reported that the woman is in her thirties and lives with her parents. There has also been no mention of the babies’ father. The woman’s mother, Angela Suleman however, told the Los Angeles Times that in addition to having six children, she conceived these octuplets through fertility treatments.
But now, ethical questions are being raised about the way in which her pregnancies occurred and the concerns about her being able to adequately raise 14 children. In an interview with ABC News, University of Pennsylvania bioethicist, Arthur Caplan stated,
“Anyone who transfers eight embryos should be arrested for malpractice.”
ABC News medical contributor Dr. Tim Johnson, added,
“[Experts] would be astounded if a fertility specialist actually implanted eight eggs. Current guidelines, which are guidelines, not law, would suggest between one and four. … A vast majority of experts would say that [implanting eight] is bad practice."
In addition, CBS News is stating that the family of the octuplets filed for bankruptcy and abandoned a home a little over a year-and-a-half ago. A CBS correspondent determined that the woman and her children live in a neighborhood of small homes, mainly consisting of two or three bedroom houses. The correspondent added that since the mom lives with her parents, there will now be at least 17 people occupying such a tiny space.
Dr. Charles Sophy, the medical director of Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, is concerned not only about the immense stress on the mom, his thoughts also turn to the well-being of the children. He told ABC News,
"It costs money to raise children. To raise these kids is probably going to cost about $2.5 million, just to give them basics," he said. "That is not baseball lessons or piano lessons. That is food, clothing or getting to school every day -- that is a lot of money."
But regardless of the obstacles this mom of 14 faces, she released a statement saying she is ‘ecstatic’ about their arrivals. Only time will tell how she is able to cope with the incredible hurdles, both financially and emotionally, she has ahead of her.
Click HERE to watch a video clip announcing the octuplets’ birth.
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