'Octomom' inspired bill limits embryo implants

A new bill, proposed by a Georgia state senator, would limit the number of embryos a woman can be implanted during in-vitro fertilization procedures.

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Published: March 04, 2009

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Multiple births are always a hot topic, so it was no surprise when Nadya Suleman made headlines after giving birth to eight babies. But the “octomom” really made news when it came out that she had been implanted with six embryos even though she already had six other children at home.

The Suleman case has not only sparked controversy but now a new proposed bill called the "Ethical Treatment of Human Embryos Act".

The bill, proposed by Georgia state senator Ralph Hudgens, would limit the number of embryos implanted during in-vitro fertilization procedures. Women under 40 years would be limited to only two embryos and women 40 and older could be implanted with three embryos.

"She is not married," said Hudgens. "She is unemployed, she is on government assistance and now she is going to put those 14 children on the back of the taxpayers in the state of California."

A similar bill is also being considered by lawmakers in Missouri.