Reply #20: Does anyone know for certain that this was a case of having embryos implanted?

[Skinner]

I have seen it reported on MSNBC that the embryos were implanted, but I find this extremely hard to believe. I think it may be a case of the media showing their ignorance. (By the way, the proper term is "transferred" not "implanted")

It is my understanding that NO doctor would *ever* transfer eight embryos. It is much too dangerous to the mother and the children to carry them to term. Not to mention too costly. Ethical doctors would only transfer two -- maybe three -- in hopes of getting one live birth.

My understanding is that these cases of super-multiples always stem from the use of fertility drugs that cause the mother to release multiple eggs. But the fertilization of those eggs takes place "the old fashioned way" if you know what I mean. Fertilization is in-utero, not in a petri dish. (The other variable is an unwillingness on the part of the parents to undergo a "selective reduction" -- also known as abortion -- to reduce the number of embryos to a safer number like two or three.)

To answer your question: No, government shouldn't regulate fertility treatments. And doctors shouldn't ask whether the parents can take care of the kids.