Now That They Are 13: How the World’s First Surviving Octuplets and Their Mother Look Today

Introduction

On January 26, 2022, Nadya Suleman’s octuplets—born on the same date in 2009—turned 13 years old. Their story made global headlines, not only because of the rarity of surviving octuplets but also due to the controversy surrounding their birth.

The Birth That Shocked the World

Nadya Suleman, already a mother of six children, underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 2009. During the procedure, her doctor transferred 12 embryos. This unprecedented decision led to the birth of eight babies at once. All eight survived, making them the world’s first surviving octuplets.

The case ignited widespread debate about IVF ethics and regulations. Following the birth, stricter IVF guidelines were implemented, and the doctor responsible lost his medical license due to the high-risk procedure.

Life After Birth