Angela Suleman: Mother of California Octuplets Has 6 Other Children

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Whittier, California is home to Angela Suleman. Prior to giving birth to eight babies earlier this week, she was living with her parents in a neat cul-de-sac neighborhood with her other six children, ages 7,6,5,3 and twin 2 year olds.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the woman’s partner will be returning to his job as a contract worker in Iraq in order to help support Suleman and her expanded family. The couple’s marital status is unclear.

Suleman sought fertility treatment and was implanted with numerous embryos last year and according to the mother, they all happened to take. Throughout the pregnancy, doctors thought there were seven babies. The surprise eighth baby shocked the massive delivery team that was assembled at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Bellflower, California.

Medical ethicists and fertility specialists were quick to share their arguments against the dangerous practice of implanting more than two embryo at one time. The mother was given counseling on selective reduction early on in her pregnancy but decided against terminating any of the babies.

Dr. Harold Henry, the woman’s physician said, “Our goal is to provide the best care possible no matter what the situation or circumstances are. What I do is just explain the facts. I always talk about the risks. The mother weights those options, and she chooses the option based on spiritual or personal makeup.”

The births are only the second set of octuplets successfully delivered in the U.S. The Chukwu family of Houston is raising seven children. One of their babies died shortly after birth.

Angela Suleman, new mother of the octuplets issued this statement:

“We understand that you are all curious about the arrival of the octuplets, and we appreciate your respect for our family’s privacy. Please know in our own time, we will share additional details about this miraculous experience. The babies continue to grow strong every day and make good progress. My family and I are ecstatic about their arrival. Needless to say, the eighth was a surprise to us all, but a blessing as well. We thank all of you for the positive thoughts, prayers and generosity.”

The hospital has been flooded with gift baskets, sealed envelopes and flowers for the new mother.