An Iowa seamstress gave birth Nov. 19 to septuplets – four boys and three girls. It is only the second known case of septuplets being born alive. A medical team of more than 40 specialists delivered the babies by Cesarean section in six minutes.
Bobbi McCaughey, 29, of Carlisle, gave birth to seven babies ranging in weight from 2 pounds, 5 ounces to 3 pounds, 4 ounces, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. The children are named Kenneth Robert, Alexis May, Natalie Sue, Kelsey Ann, Brandon James, Nathaniel Roy, and Joel Steven.
The mother was in the 31st week of her pregnancy, and had been taking a fertility drug because of the difficulty she and her husband, Kenny, had conceiving their first child. She was due in mid-January, but had been hospitalized since Oct. 15. The decision to go ahead with the delivery was made the preceding night, as doctors expressed concerns that continuing the pregnancy would increase risks to the children. After the birth, one of the infants was listed in critical condition, the rest were listed in serious condition.
“I would ask that all believers across the world join us in praying for Bobbi and for the babies that their health will continue and only improve,” said Bob Hepworth, the children’s grandfather.
The McCaugheys were advised early in the pregnancy to abort some of the fetuses – a process called “selective reduction” – to increase survival chances for the others. But the couple refused to consider that option because of their religious beliefs. The pair are committed Baptists who met in Bible College.
“God gave us those kids,” said the father. “He wants us to raise them.”
Dr. Paula Mahone, who helped perform the delivery, said, “All the babies are so well-grown, so well-developed, it just strikes me as a miracle.”
There are no known surviving septuplets in the world.
– E.P. News
