Do you remember the woman who made headlines in 1997 after giving birth to seven babies in Carlisle, Lowa? Her children were the first to survive multiple births. At that time, it was not a usual scenario. Bobbi McCaughey and husband, Kenny Sr., had their firstborn daughter in 1996. After her first pregnancy, Bobbi had a hard time getting pregnant again so they resorted to medical procedures. She was made to drink Pergonal; a fertility medicine. The medicine worked more than too well for her.
When Bobbi went to the doctor for her check-up, she was more than surprised to know that she was carrying 7 embryos. The doctor explained to her that there’s a risk that her babies would be born premature or would possibly have these conditions; brain damage, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, problems with motor & speech skills, and blindness.
This usually happens when a woman carries more than one fetus in her womb because won’t get enough nutrients. The doctors suggested terminating some fetuses to make sure that the ones selected to live will be normal and healthy. The McCaughey couple didn’t agree and because they firmly believe that God destined it to happen.
Fast forward to November 19, 1997, the then 29-yr-old Bobbi gave birth through C-section with more than 40 specialists operating. She had three girls and four boys and every one of them was born not more than ten minutes. They were born 9 weeks ahead of time so they spent some months in the hospital. Ethical issues surfaced after the birth of the septuplets and they became a media sensation.
No less than the President of America at that time, Bill Clinton congratulated the family and people started sending donations to help the family in their finances. They were given college education for free. Though the family wanted to avoid the spotlight, they allowed occasional appearances once in a while to ensure everyone that they are okay. Time flew fast and the septuplets have just celebrated their twenty-first birthday. {source}