ASRM:Press Release

Contact:
Sean Tipton, E-mail: stipton@asrm-dc.org and Phone: 202-863-2494
Eleanor Nicoll, E-mail: enicoll@asrm-dc.org and Phone: 202-863-2439

American Society for Reproductive Medicine Comments on California Octuplets

Statement Attributable to R. Dale McClure, M.D., President:

First and most importantly, we are pleased that all eight babies and their mother appear to be doing well and applaud the medical team that managed the pregnancy, delivered the babies and is now caring for them. Nevertheless, the occurrence of high order multiple births is not a desirable outcome.

Over the last decade, the ASRM and our affiliate the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) have worked diligently to reduce the number of high order multiple births resulting from IVF treatments. We have produced guidelines restricting the number of embryos transferred during IVF. Published research confirms that these guidelines have led to fewer embryos being transferred and a marked reduction in the number of high order multiple births.

At this point, we do not know the circumstances surrounding the conception of these children and what if any medical treatments were involved. If this resulted from an IVF treatment, we can say that transferring eight embryos in an IVF cycle is well beyond our guidelines. Working with SART we have a process for looking into these kind of matters and taking appropriate action.

Concerns for confidentiality preclude us from making any additional comments on this specific case at this time.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, founded in 1944, is an organization of more than 8,000 physicians, researchers, nurses, technicians and other professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive biology. Affiliated societies include the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the Society of Reproductive Surgeons.

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