Octomom doctor expelled from fertility society

According to ASRM guidelines, which are based on embryo quality and patient age, only one or two embryos are typically transferred into patients who are under the age of 35, which helps reduce the risk of multiple births.

Suleman, who was 33 when her embryos were implanted, reported that Dr. Kamrava transferred six embryos to her uterus for each pregnancy. Two embryos split into two pairs of identical twins leading to the eight babies. In fact, a 2007 report showed that Kamvara transferred an average of 4.1 embryos to patients under 35.

At the end of January 2009, Suleman gave birth to eight babies. The octuplets, which are thought to be only the second set born in the United States, were born nine weeks early. Suleman was already the single mother of six children which had been conceived through in vitro fertilization using eggs from her ovaries and donor sperm in a petri dish.

The decision to remove Dr. Kamrava from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine came after a long process. After the disciplinary committee gathers information, the person is given a chance to explain, and then action is taken if the committee thinks it is necessary.

A September 25 press release announced that a member was expelled. ASRM spokesman Sean Tipton confirmed that the member was Kamrava. Though Kamrava has been expelled from the ASRM, only state medical boards can revoke medical licenses. ASRM is the leading organization for doctors in fertility, and some insurance plans only cover treatments that are provided by ASRM members.

Dr. Michael Kamrava practices at the West Coast IVF Clinic in Beverly Hills, California.

Written by Nicole Palmby