Octuplets mother seeking donations on website

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Nadya Suleman, the Whittier mother of 2-week-old octuplets plus six other children whose finances have become a matter of national interest after it came out that taxpayers may pay millions for her children's care, now has a website where people can donate items to her children.

The website, thenadyasulemanfamily.com, invites visitors to "meet the octuplets" as well as to donate items, send wishes to the family or even give money directly using a credit card.

How Suleman can afford her huge family has become an issue in the weeks since she gave birth. She does not have a job, lives with her parents and had $50,000 in student loans.

Suleman has insisted in interviews with NBC that she will be able to support her 14 kids without government assistance. She said she could get by for a while on student loans and that she could support her family as soon as she finished graduate school.

"I'm not living off any taxpayer money," she said. "If I am, if it's food stamps, it's a temporary resource. And I was so reluctant. I very much so look forward to the day when I am not getting any kind of help with food stamps, which I believe will end when I graduate in about a year or year and a half."

--Jessica Garrison

Image: screenshot of thenadyasulemanfamily.com

More coverage:

Octuplets mother: I am not on welfare

Octuplets could be costly for taxpayers

Comments

[Crazy Is as Crazy Does]

Not a penny for her, but I'd donate to Child Protective Services so that they have the resources to remove these kids (and the first six). She has proven that she is unstable and providing an unsatisfactory environment, as well as creating hardships for her own parents.
I'm waiting for our taxdollars to be spent properly, to ensure that the kids are well cared for - and that means she must not be involved in their rearing until she proves herself to be financially stable and mentally stable.

She's just addicted to a different drug as far as I'm concerned, should be treated as such and monitored regularly. Is it legally possible for the State to sue the medical practicioner responsible for the multiple births? That would go a long way to reducing some of my angst over this situation, but it sure isn't going to be enough of a salve until those kids are under state care in foster homes that are monitored.

[Violet Beauregard]

Oh goody she even takes American Express! Now the rest of the country/world can join in and give this pre-meditated child abuser free money just like the good people of Califorina!

[PR Person]

I think it's very interesting that this website is made to look homemade but the credit line is that of her PR firm. Yet another way she is trying to manipulate opinions. I would never contribute to someone like this -- I would instead contribute to an agency that would find these children proper homes and have the disability payments actually go to help the three kids who have them, not to the mother to have more IVF treatments and get her nails done. In my opinion this is a manipulative woman who is manipulating the system and thinks she can get a windfall.

[Kathie Kerr]

Never in a million years would I donate to this woman. Children's Services should investigate her. That would put a damper on her plans to star in a reality TV show.

[Kathie Kerr]

Never in a million years would I donate to this woman. Children's Services should investigate her. That would put a damper on her plans to star in a reality TV show.

[whydoievenbother. . .]

Is she insane? Not a penny from me.
I hope someone donates a large amount for those kids though. Just not from me.
And does she really want comments from us? Really?

[Murray B]

This woman seems very interested in seeking attention and notoriety and is willing to use those children to achieve the attention she seeks for herself.

If she is not able to provide for the children then they should be adopted by people that can do this properly, without exposing the children to the media spotlight of this pathetic sideshow of her life.

[whydoievenbother. . .]

Any women with 14 kids clearly is not disabled and should not be receiving disability payments.
She apparently used that and student loans to inject botox into her lips.
What else can she inject in herself to make herself feel better?

[e]

I am so furious I could spit.

She is a very manipulative very clever little hustler.

Not ONE PENNY for her. NOT ONE.

Oh, and NO COMMENTS, either. These will be used in a publicity campagin.

You notice how this is not a charity.

[gypsie]

It is very easy for everyone to assume they know how stable this woman is, how good of a mnother she is and whether or not her children would be better off in someone else's care. I admit, I was very judgmental when I first heard the story but after seeing her interview, my mind was actually changed. Do I think she was naive in thinking she would only have one embryo implant? Certainly! Do I think the Dr is sketchy? Certainly! But her story is plausible. The doctors did not even know there was an 8th baby. And unless you are a woman with trouble having children, you cannot speak to what it is like to be on medication trying to conceive with little or no success only to hope for a chance at wonderful. Along the same lines, I am assuming that everyone who has suggested that these children be placed into foster care has no experience whatsoever with these so called monitored homes! The children look happy, healthy, and well taken care of. They seem to speak well, are not obese and seem to be very loved. The "disheveled" look of her home is common in almost any home with even just one child. This woman was succeeding in school and even went on to grad school-that accomplishment is something to be proud of, especially while caring for her children! Finally, if anyone has known family or friends who have had premature babies, their birth weight can be as low as 1-2 lb for twins born early. This woman's octuplets (that's 8!) were all between 1.3 and 3 lbs. That is amazing! She must have been doing something right! I wish her the best and hope she is left alone.

[kv]

i hope no one gives this nutty, messed-up woman a DIME--except to get those poor kids away from her!

[Belindetta]

I notice the photos are courtesy of NBC, which seems to indicate that NBC might not have paid for the interview, but I'll bet they paid for the photos. But the PR firm wasn't smart enough to set up a foundation, so any donations aren't tax deductible.

[Celia]

Donations are only tax deductible if made to a registered 501(c)(3) charity. She ain't a registered charity, just a charity case.

Gee, I wonder who's paying for the website, and the PR company (billed by the hour)...

What a situation.

[Pete]

I feel pity for her, yet I worry ever more for her siblings (all 14 of them). Obviously, this young woman has a problem and needs help. God save us all as well as her family. Now try figuring out the tabs that comes with it. Good luck.

[Proud_Americana]

Absolutely nauseating. She gives people who use IVF a bad name. Why couldn't have she been happy with the first two?

[ERICA]

I'M SORRY, BUT SHE NEEDS SOME MENTAL HELP. SHE SHOULD NOT BE ASKING THE WORLD FOR DONATIONS TO HELP RAISE HER KID'S. SHE NEEDS A JOB, NO SHE NEEDS SOME JOBS. IF I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF MINE BY GOING TO WORK EVERYDAY, THAN SHE SHOULD TO. HER BABIES DIDN'T ASK TO COME INTO THIS WORLD AND IT'S HER RESPONSIBILITY ALONG WITH THE FATHER WHOMEVER HE MAY BE, TO TAKE CARE OF THEM NOT THE WORLD'S.

[Helyn]

I am a parent of a child with autism and my heart is breaking. Children with autism need a calm orderly environment to live in. They are very easily overwhelmed by loud noises and sudden changes in their world. What this woman is doing is CHILD ABUSE, she has zero concern for any of her children. I do not understand a society that rewards people for abusing children all in the name of God! Wake up people - she dos not deserve anything more than the phone number to a good adoption agency and psychiatric facility!

[slj]

Next Stop, Crazy Town!

Starring: Angelina Jolie, as Nadya, Godess of Fertility
With: Cloris Leachman, as the Grandmother/Indentured Childcare Servant
Featuring: Your Taxpayer Dollars and 14 Fatherless Children

Laugh until the tears roll down your cheeks as Nadya navigates the non-stop fun of raising a baker's dozen plus one! You'll be rolling in the aisle when you see her show up for parent teacher conference day....which lasts an entire week! And how can you not adore her eldest child, who gets to help out with all those crazy little siblings! Gasp with delight when Nadya finds out....there's another batch on the way! Who's your daddy? Who cares!

Rated T for Tragic

[Domenic]

Disgusting. Seriously. This woman should be jailed as should the doctor who implanted these poor children into her.

These kind of abuses are why programs like food stamps, welfare, Medicaid (and california's MediCal) are jokes. No oversight

she cant afford to support her first kids without food stamps, where in the hell did she get the money to have IVF?

[Zephyr]

Goodie, her website allows for comments and lists her PR firm's phone number. I sent her my regards that she is a total whack job and told her i gave enough through the years by my tax dollars supporting her first litter, then I called her pr firm and told them off as well. Sadly, I still am angered by this whole issue.
God as my witness, whomever signs this nut up for a book deal or movie or endorsement will suffer the wrath of massive boycotts.

[Kathy Peck]

Donate to the care of these children? I think not! This woman is the height of irresponsibility imho. All...I repeat ALL of her children should be taken and placed in foster care and then put up for adoption. This whole thing is just absolutely ridiculous! The Dr who did the IVF should have his license taken away because he was also very irresponsible. Sheesh!

[tgilbert11]

The state should absolutely go after the medical clinic responsible for this. You need a licence to drive. You need to prove you can repay a loan when you take one from a bank. There should be a law that you must show that you can pay for the kids (on you own) you bring into this world.

[Rotundo]

So wrong on SO many levels. This nutjob has 14 kids with no job, no support, and mountains of debt. I feel almost as badly for taxpayers as the poor grandmother who will never have a day's rest until she passes away.

SHAME on Suleman for this heinous act of irresponsibility.

SHAME on the fertility clinic for catering to her wish.

SHAME on the publicist who took on Suleman and her story, trying to pander to sympathies of generous people with too much disposable income and a bleeding heart.

SHAME on anyone who gives one dime to Suleman (remember, the publicist gets his/her cut as well).

SHAME on the media for bringing this story to light and infuriating millions of readers, while inspiring financial sympathy from a few idiots who feel like flushing their $ down the toilet.

I can only imagine the rage felt by financially self-sufficient women trying to conceive just once. My heart goes out to you lot.

[sue]

I don't get why so many seem to be down on this woman. She isn't doing anything illegal and as long as the kids are taken care of, who cares? So what if she gets welfare, that’s what welfare is for, isn't it : Poor people. Primarily mothers and children. Hers are only a small percentage. How much money do you think you are individually spending on them? We pay out allot more for unnecessary military crap. Why do you begrudge them, when we all benefit from government stuff in one way or another. Have a heart.

[Laylah]

Why is the LA Times providing the web address and aiding her scam..

[voracious reader]

Her PR company couldn't wait for her to speak hoping that people would "understand" her. So now that we heard her speak, I think we now "understand" her and her PR company should run away from her as fast as they can.

Funny how she could afford all the IVF treatments, yet had to accept food stamps from her state government to feed her children. Funny how she doesn't consider food stamps a form of "welfare." Funny how she will get by on student loans for the next year or two. I'd like to know how she'll find time to attend school or study. Oh, she mentioned that she'll use the day care center at the school. Could someone please explain to me how she will provide transporation to the school for her family?

Shelter? Has anyone figured out what the building codes are where she plans to raise her kids. Can 15 people actually live in a three bedroom home without breaking some kind of building code? And how can she safely evacuate such a large family if need be?

Sure, I'll donate. I'll donate to the lawsuit against the doctor for ethics violations and violating the guidlines of standard care. I'll donate to a charity that helps women and children in need. Donate to Ms. Suleman? I think not. I hope the State of California has the ability to sort out this mess and get all of her children a standard of care that they rightfully deserve.

[M.E.]

Anyone suggesting that Child Protective Services should remove children from their natural mother who clearly loves her children has NO CLUE WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT and deserves to live in the most wretched foster home for a year to see what it is really like.

If you do not come from a large family you DO NOT HAVE A CLUE either and have no right to pass judgment on those who chose to have them.

All the whiners here could better spend their time ACTUALLY doing something to help others . . . VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED IN EVERY SEGMENT OF OUR SOCIETY if you really want to have an affect on other peoples live trying volunteering to do something that actually helps others rather than spending your time being negative and destructive.

I wish you all the misery you wish to put upon others with your opinionated and hateful behavior. . . judge ye not lest ye be judged.

[kjojo]

are you crazy, no peeny from me

[Rudy]

I would like to set up a fund so people can contribute for a nice and bigger home for myself. That said, I doubt that I will get any contributors for my goal and dream home. Nadya should not get assistance from anyone and if she is found to be an unfit mother and cannot provide for those 14 children, Scocial Services should step in, remove them and place them in homes that can prodive adequatly for them. I think she is a nut case.

[CONCERNED MOM OF TWO]

This woman obviously has money to make her face an Angelina Jolie look-alike. And now, she has the nerve asking for donations from everyone to help her care for these babies???? HOPE THESE BABIES WILL GET ADOPTED BY LOVING FAMILIES....SHE DOES NOT HAVE THE MENTAL CAPABILITY TO CARE FOR THESE KIDS...

[TSL]

I went to the web site and left this comment-

"How delusion are you, really? You spent money-tens of thousands of dollars, to do this again with 6 kids at home,3 with special needs already on SSI. And you're asking for the public to help more? The tax payers are going to be footing the bill for most of this. You have a lot of nerve and are extremely selfish. "

The only thing the state should do for her is get those kids out of there.On Datline last night she said she underwent 3 rounds of IFV before she had the 8, this was while she was on food stamps w/ the other 6 kids. Who spents $30,000 on IFV when they are getting SSI & food stamps????
This woman is very, very sick.

[Jen]

Have the doctor pay for the cost of the expense for these babies. I cannot believe this unstable woman was allowed to have children in the first place. This was not an act of God. It was an act of man. And she should not receive a penny. I hate when the news network give her airtime. I change the channel and we all should.
The taxpayers should not to have pay.
I bet if the State would look closely when this woman was drawing Workers Compensation for a bad back. They will find that she was not injured as she said. The worse thing a woman can do with a bad back is have children. Having eight is UN thinkable. I have a bad shoulder and I cannot bear the pain. Being pregnant would only add to the pain.
I don’t understand why a doctor would allow this. He should be ashamed. As I mentioned he should pay for these children.

[Jane]

I really don't agree with her decision to do thi, but I really don't think putting her children in foster care is the answer.
Foster care should be reserved for extreme cases and I don't think this qualifies. As long as her children are healthy, cared for, etc. I think that is a terrible idea. Foster care is very hard on children. Children tend to want to be with their bio parents, and they develop Reactive Attachment Disorder in foster care, etc.

[ms.c0ll33n]

Donating to this bottomfeeder is the same as rewarding her and others like her for making selfish reasons at the expense of the innocent children. I, as a Californian taxpayer, am already paying for her 14 mistakes. I, as a Kaiser Permanente member, am paying for her 14 mistakes via higher monthly payments. Put me down for $0 as my donation to this freak circus.

[Concerned Mom]

I'd rather give money to Child Protective Services so I'm sure these children are in a safe home!

[TGood]

Where's the outrage over the billions spent on the babies of illegal aliens.? The whole family gets on the dole the minute they have an anchor baby. This just happens to be an American using the taxpayers. What's the difference ?

[seanjean]

She's just trying to stir enough controversy in order to sign a book, movie and/or reality show deal. She's banking on having a big home bought for her and her 14 children. I hope TLC or some of the other cable companies do not go forward with a television show for her. This will reward selfish, self-destructive, psychotic and inconsiderate behavior...and I am not talking about the Wall St. Bailouts, LOL. But seriously, I hope nobody gives her any money which would serve as a reward for all the bad things she has done to endanger these kids development in their lives. Just think of the problems these kids are going to have because of being born 8 at a time. Three of her first six kids have developmental problems and I heard that some of the 8 kids might have cerebral palsy or other chronic problems. What a bad person this mother is showing herself to be...I wish there was a law that could be created for "puppy-milling" human lives.

[Johann]

I have to see it to believe it. While she is entitled to do with her body whatever she pleases, I think it is fundamentally wrong that she is standing in the corner with a sign next to the offramp asking for a handout in order to suppor them. We all are contributing, through our tax dollars, to keep these babies healthy, providing food stamps and disability payments for two of her children

[sandi sheridan]

Congratulations on your new 8 babies! I have a suggestion since you already have 6 children and 3 who already are challenged, why not make 8 families extremely happy and adopt them out? The 8 families could then maybe build you a house or provide healthcare or an education for your 6 at home, in exchange for a baby. I am a mother of 3 and a Grandmaother of 3, I know how much money, love and support children need, and your newborns would have so much more of a chance for a stable, happy life. Make it an open adoption so when the children are old enough they could know who you are, and you could know how they are taken care of. Love is not just the only answer when it comes to raising 14 children on your own.

[Melody]

I don't see the problem, it seems she has taken care of her other 6 childrens. Yes it will probably be hard for her at first, but I do not see the harm in asking for a few donations from fellow americans after all, here in the good ole USA we do not have a problem with letting familys who do not speak english, who cannot work because their here illegally they get help from the goverment so why can't we help one of our own. In my opinion if we sent all of the illegals back across the border than alot of our problems would be solved. This poor woman just wants to raise a family and she has that god given right to do so.....thats alot more than we can say for the 13 and 14 year old gilrs that come over here from other countries just to get preganant to try to become a citizen. I see it everyday NOW.....THAT my friend is sad....

[Wow]

Gypsie is wrong.

It doesn't matter that the doctors didn't know there was an 8th baby. It's the fact that she got pregnant again even with 6 existing children and being unemployed, bankrupt, without her own home and "disabled".

After having 6 children, it's clear she's not having trouble having children. This is not a sob story about a woman who can't get pregnant and doesn't have any existing babies yet.

Do you really judge the children's situation by how they look on TV? This is a planned interview, which means everything is set up to look just right.

She is not successful either. She got a degree from a local college. Congratulations, she's less than mediocre. And she didn't even take care of them while going to school. Her mother and father did.

[leah]

gypsy, it's quite obvious this woman doesn't want to be left alone -- either by the media OR in her very own home, hence the need for all those children.
also, she's not really a woman on medication trying to conceive. the report was that her fallopian tubes are blocked. the only way to successfully conceive is outside the uterus and to go to great lengths, further than most infertile couples. sorry but there's no excuse for someone going/trying for more than six children. i think the doctor should have his license revoked and this poor woman should truly have her head examined. having children is a huge responsibility, not something you do to quell a deep seeded 'need', which she admitted it was. these kids are in for a bumpy life with an irresponsible mother. and please people, don't tell me all those children are a blessing from god. if God meant you to have children you'd be doing it without medical intervention.

[pragmaticpaula]

this woman is very mentally unstable and the epitome of selfish narcissism. she has no roots in reality and says with an alfred e newman expression that all her children need are her arms - in fact, she lies easily (answering no to the "have you had your lips done?" question when there is photographic evidence that she has!). she puts down her own mother who has given her free shelter, food, and endless babysitting hours and gotten nothing in return. nadya can spend money on her hair, nails, and plastic surgery so shes ready for her big moment of glory and comes across to the sane people in this world as absolutely pathetic. i think she thought she would be embraced...she is delusional. there will be endless examples of her unfit parenthood to come without a doubt. so sad.

[ABRE]

This truly went from a miracle of life to just complete chaos. While I will agree with everyone that the mom is in need of mental help, at the end of it all the babies are here, trying to survive...stay alive. They will need our help, be that in tax $ or donations. If there was a way to know that this money went straight to the children and not her it would ease several minds. She is not fit based on the decisions she's made. It will take a village to raise those kids.
What are the chances the state of CA can sue the fertility company?

[Barbara]

Give the Girl a break she did not ask for these 8 Children, but now that they are here she is trying to make the best of it... I just donated on Pay Pal she needs help financially.

[Loyd Eskildson]

She needs help - psychiatric help! And her doctor needs to be jailed.

[dee]

I want to know why is this any one busness it seem to me that people are sticking there nose in something that is not there concern. this lady did not ask any one of you to put her face on national tv. so why are people trying to start trouble for her to get the state into her life is wrong she has not done anything but have babies, someone must be jelous, leave this family along. find some thing to do with yourselfs and let her live her life with her kids.

[melisa]

UUUUUUUUhH I think Im gonna puke now. Not a penny, not a nickel, not even is she worth a dime of mine.

[Rachel Honda]

I feel so bad for her kids. What a selfish woman.

[Diana]

I saw the interview, and feel sad for the children. I know what it is like to be stuck, and dependent on family. I can't understand why she would think having 14 children would make life more enjoyable.
Yes, I love children, but it is very difficult rising them without money. I know so many people come to California, and have babies on tax payers backs. We have a huge problem of illigals doing this, and now we are stuck paying the bill. This is so unfair for the children. I think she was looking for free housing, and money for a tv deal. So sad for the children.

[KJA]

I wonder if the mother of these 14 children has considered that any funds collected as "donations" and the fair market value of any other "gifts" from corporate sponsors etc have to be reported to the State of California's welfare authority as INCOME. Failure to do sure I'm sure would be considered WELFARE FRAUD.

[Christy]

I am in agreeance with nearly ALL the other posters. Who wants to watch her interview? I don't care to learn anything about her, other than what she is doing is wrong. Babies need love and support of a whole family. Her parents expressed reluctance to help out much more and since she's single with no husband...and apparently nannies that are being paid (From what? Her student loan? give me a break).
I'm just disgusted by the whole thing. What a publicity stunt. Asking for money...what about giving the $$ to those couples who truely can't get pregnant that are desperate for a baby. She can donate her money to hook them up wtih her doctor!!
Unbelieveable.
Please DO NOT DONATE TO HER!!!!!

[Rebecca]

I can't believe anyone is actually defending this woman. Commenter "gypsie" is clearly as unstable as the woman at the center of this controversy to buy into this nonsense. As a woman who has unsuccessfully tried various fertility treatments for three years and is now beginning the process of adoption, I CAN "speak to what it is like to be on medication trying to conceive with little or no success..." and I completely disagree with you. This whole situation is truly disgusting and, for (I would guess to say) most people in a similar situation as mine, heartbreaking as well.

[theresa99]

She's wily and she's got nerve - I have to give her credit for that. In a recent interview she said she was going to use student loans to support her children (which, by the way, is quite illegal). I wonder what happened with that plan? It appears as though it evaporated along with her claim that she could raise all of her children by herself and didn't need the government's support or money from anyone (which we now know is false, hence the web site and her requests for our money). This dame kills me - she really does. She claims that her childhood was unhappy and that she was the victim of bad parenting, yet she continues to live with her parents. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. If her mother and father were so toxic, why is she still living with them? Why is she allowing her "bad" mother to raise her children while she's out scouting for agents, book deals, and tv shows in which to star? And where is the father of these 14 children? Before the government ever gets involved in paying for anything, before they shell out one dime, he should be made to pay child support. I don't care that he was "just" a sperm donor. Why did he contribute his sperm in the first place? What did he think the fertility clinic was going to do with it? Teach it to roll over and play dead? This man should be made to pay for the support of the children he helped to create. Ms. Suleman should be taking a bite out of him before she has the audacity and chutzpah to beg money from the state and from us.

[Joe]

Nadya Suleman is an extreme example of a single mom.Most single moms are on the dole,with welfare,food stamps,SSI,WIC etc.Since when is it the taxpayers responsibility to finance their kids? If you can feed "em dont breed "em!! Parasites all.

[david]

I have a much better idea, lets take the kids away from this crazy woman and lock her up in a mental hospital where she belongs. After you have two kids (or one birth of multiples) they should cut you off. No more kids, we "fix" you, your done, over, thats it. Our population is already to high, and if this idiot hasnt noticed, were in a serious economic downturn right now, the WORST time to have even ONE child even if you are mostly STABLE in your finances and job security. TAKE HER KIDS NOW

[Pam]

And she's going to support her brood by being a counselor? WHO WOULD GO TO HER FOR COUNSELING WHEN SHE'S CLEARLY DISTURBED? She ought to make about $0 a month doing that job! Her poor parents are bankrupt and they made it clear to the unethical doctor that their insane daughter should not have anymore children. This wacko needs to be investigated...she's like those crazy cat hoarders who keep accumulating cats but don't take care of them at all. Those poor children.

[KK]

The goverment is going to be footing her expenses one way or the other for the next 18 years or more. Our share of burden is done as taxpayer.

[Frank Talk]

Nadya Suleman is hot. Where do I sign up to become her baby(s) daddy?
I will be making a donation soon!

[Janice]

You know, I originally hesitated to condemn her beyond medical and ethical dilemmas regarding having eight kids at once - and for everyone who loves big families, having eight at a time is a very different thing - but she really loses her own credibility by doing this kind of thing. You can say to "leave her alone" or "big families are really good" or what, but she's essentially bringing on even more attention. It's hard not to judge her.

[UNKNOWN]

IT IS A SHAME 4 HER 2 GET WELFAIR 4 ALL THOSE BABYS WHEN SHE IS NOT A AMERICAN CITZEN .SHE CANNOT SURPORT ALL THOSES BABYS WHY DID SHE HAVE THEM GIVE THEM UP 4 APOTATION.PLUS SHE HAS NO HUSAND I I LIVE IN USA ALL MY LIFE. WHY PAY 4 TAXES 4 A PERSON WHO WASN NOT BORN IN THE USA. THAT WAS 2 MANY BABYS

[The Markham Family]

I can't believe that Gloria Allred hasn't stepped in to defend these children. She tried to say Micheal Jackson was unfit hanging his child out of a balcony, well this is no different. Child protective services needs to take custody of these children and place them in stable homes. She is using all 14 of them to obtain money, this looks like she pre-meditated the pregency to get more money from the goverment. She is not stable, no body in there right mind would attempt this kind of adventure and the state should put a stop to it, NOT ONE PEENY SHOULD GO TO THIS WOMEN!!!What is wrong with this world, she is a CON ARTIST using children, no different than a PIMP.

[Hazy]

Why should we foot the bill for this totally irresponsible woman? Now she's on food stamps, disability & asking for donations on her web site. Her poor parents. I read her father is going back to Saudi Arabia to work to support them all. She's shown that she cannot support them so the burden falls on the taxpayer! It just blows my mind. I feel for the kids, they have an idiot for a mother!

[Candy]

What a selfish inconsiderate lying human being.
I'll donate to CPS to help take the children from her.
No wonder California is in the 'hole' .....with these kinds of cash outlays!

[Sam]

I thought Jen's comment above about having the fertility doctor pay the bills is probably the best comment of the above. I feel sorry for this woman because she appears to be mentally ill and has not gotten the proper care. Yes, as a Kaiser member, I am irritated at the fact that I am paying for part of this, but realistically, the total amount I will personally bear is less than what I spent on coffee this morning. No, the real, innocent losers here are the fourteen children. None of them asked to be put in this situation, and I hope for the best, but expect the worst. The occassional comments from the grandparents seem to reveal exaspiration on their part (probably combined with healthy dose of karma), and things will not likely get better. Heaven help all of those children if she hits Post-partum depression. Many of you may get your wish that CPS will come for the children, but do not delude yourselves into thinking they will be better off.

[h]

How do the donations work with being on foodstamps? Are not donations income? She might lose her foodstamps and Medi-cal benefits.

[LilyC]

While I feel for her children who never asked for this, I cannot imagine giving money to this woman. She really should have thought about how she was going to support her family back around her 3rd child, the 4th, 5th, 6th, when told how many embryos took, when she decided to not give any up for adoption, etc. She has had many opportunities to make adult financial decisions to ensure she could care for her kids. She has failed to do so. And thus I fail to see how this is our problem. I support child services with my taxes. And there are many financially stable families who would give anything to adopt her babies when they are taken from her.

[Sam]

Okay, dee and Barbara, let us be precise with our words. Barbara: yes, she did ask for these eight children. She insisted all eight of her remaining embryos be implanted in her rather than have them discarded. And Dee, yes, she did ask to have her face put on television, multiple times. Had she honestly wanted to live in anonymity, she would not have gone on television, nor would she have retained a PR firm. Funny, in a rather different situation, Scott Schiavo stated that he did not want to be in the spotlight, and I do not see him around. I have a feeling, though, that Ms. Sulemein will be in front of a camera as long as possible, going for that sixteenth minute.

[Kathy]

The doctor needs to be investigated...the media needs to stop glorifying this mother, This is child abuse, having all these babies and not be able to care for them...Give them up for adoption to parents who are able to provide for them...

[What The?]

Does anyone see a pattern here of pathological lying like Casey Anthony? I'm not saying this woman is going to harm these children, but I saw the interview on TV last night and she keeps getting caught in lie after lie here.

Not on public assistance? What does she call food stamps.

Pattern of irresponsibility...having six children, then adding eight more even though she knew she would be unable to work. If her friends and family were going to rush to her aid, why does she need people to donate using their credit card? I don't think she ever saw beautiful children to love, she already had six of those, she saw a way to make money. Unfortunately, this may well be at these children's expense.

I guess she hoped to be another John & Kate plus 8. Sorry, you have not shown the integrity and honesty required to carry a show like that.

Maybe we should put cameras in her home, so the first signs of abuse can be picked up immediately if they occur. There is something I just don't trust about this woman. I don't think her motives are as altruistic as she wants everyone to believe.

Good luck kids, I'm afraid you may need it.

[RUNuts]

Entitlement programs were established to help people who are in need,over the years as with any goverment program the oversight could not keep up with demand. This lady is a shining example of how to abuse a program and get away with it. She is not stupid. she wanted fame and sadly chose to put 14 children and her parents in a very miserable position.
Who takes care of the children while she is at school? who takes care of the children if she does get a job? Grandma is wore out watching your first six while you had this last batch. Sorry lady,but no money from me,iIwon't read your book,I won't watch your TV show,and i won't support any product companys who donate to you. I will continue to raise a granddaughter as I must since her parents did some "stupid" things. Makes me way happy she is a one and only!

[theresa99]

Maybe I'm alone in this but I think the father of these children should be made to help pay for their health care, their upkeep, their needs. Before any governmental assistance is given, the father of these children should be ponying up for their care. It takes two to make a baby, or in this case, 14 babies, and so far it seems like the father of these kids is getting off scott-free. What's the deal with him? How do we get tapped for cash before he does?

[kcc]

How did she get her exboyfriend to give her sperm to make future babies? He must have known she was a little off.

[JenO]

My husband and I are in the "waiting" phase -- hoping to adopt a baby through open adoption.... all I can say is that this entire story sickens me. Just an extreme example of how producing offspring does not a parent make.

[RUNuts]

Entitlement programs were established to help people who are in need,over the years as with any goverment program the oversight could not keep up with demand. This lady is a shining example of how to abuse a program and get away with it. She is not stupid. she wanted fame and sadly chose to put 14 children and her parents in a very miserable position.
Who takes care of the children while she is at school? who takes care of the children if she does get a job? Grandma is wore out watching your first six while you had this last batch. Sorry lady,but no money from me,iIwon't read your book,I won't watch your TV show,and i won't support any product companys who donate to you. I will continue to raise a granddaughter as I must since her parents did some "stupid" things. Makes me way happy she is a one and only!

[Jacques Abramov]

Our society has gotten very sick indeed. Not only to have produced such a wretched woman, but to turn her into a cause celebre.
Why don't we have some kind of medical oversight, to prevent Dr. Frankenstein from implanting this lunatic with 8 embryos?
Do we really want women like this reproducing at all? Let alone 14 times?
I think she and that doctor need to come up with a plan to finance those 14 kids' lives.
Society just generally needs to take a much harder stance on this crap.
Let's make everything this stupid a capital offense.

[cindy]

this woman can not take care of these kids, she is completely out of touch, she has no idea what it's like to be a parent. last night they set her up in a beautiful home.......why didn't they show where she really lives in a 3 bed room with her parents.
I do not care what her nationality is, she shouldn't have 14 kids she can't maintain, this was NO accident, She has NO insurance, we are paying for this. I think the state has to go after everyone involved, the dr, the father (you just can't make "donations" without any consequences)
The people who are defending her are probably her PR firm, nobody in their right mind, who cares about children would condone this.
Yea, and our tax dollars have paid for her plastic surgery and her manicures.

[Amy]

Barbara and Dee seem to be as delusional as Suleman; the former claims that Suleman didn't ask to have these babies and the latter claims Suleman didn't ask to be on national TV. In what universe? Suleman underwent IVF and refused selective reduction. In my world (aka reality), that's asking for babies. Also in my world, giving an interview on national television, hiring a publicist and setting up a website is asking for attention.

Equally misguided are those who somehow turn Suleman's irresponsible choices into a rant against undocumented migrants. Particularly those of you who claim that an entire family receives aid once an "anchor baby" is born in the US. Only citizens or resident aliens are eligible for aid, so it's only the child that is receiving food stamps, Medicaid and/or TANF.

We're hear to discuss our opinions on the issues raised by this story, but it would be nice if we could do so within the context of facts, not hyperbolic ignorance.

[Carlb]

Barbara,
No, she did not ask for 8 kids; she asked for 14 kids and now she's got them. Let her figure this out for herself. Not one penny from me for this baby machine...

[Ms. Infertility]

I am the queen of infertility issues. I understand that her fallopian tubes were blocked but obviously, she did not have a problem carrying the other 6 babies once they implanted. So, I believe she knew that implanting another 6 would result in minimum of 6 more babies. I know she loves her kids but there has to be something wrong for her to think that she can go to school, spend time with all 14 on a daily basis, feeding, bathing, changing diapers, clothes, washing, etc and GO BACK TO SCHOOL and do her homework every night, waking up during the night. That is hard enough with a smaller family let alone babies that are sick, have colds, diarrhea, colic or whatever illness that children often get. It is hard for me to believe that the children will feel all of the love when she isn't going to be home with them because she is going to school. That may leave about 3-4 hrs for her to cook, clean and cuddle with her 14 children. I think they need to go after the father of the 14 children since he knowingly provided sperm. This was not an anonymous donor. What is he contributing. It is not fair for the children but it is not fair for her to expect everybody to be understanding. Having compassion for the kids is one thing but I don't think that she really thought it through, and that is the part that makes her seem a little crazy!

[Sully needs a bailout]

1. She has been collecting disbility payments from the government for a heriated disk and is considered permanently disabled by the state. Somehow she is able to have a 8 babies in this condition. So, is she running a scam? She doesn't seem to be in too much pain in the interview. What diploma mill did her doctor get his degree from that advocates pregnancy in her condition?
2. She loves her children. In fact she loves her children so much that it's only been her mother who's been taking care of her 6 previous children, including 3 DISABLED CHILDREN. In fact, she loves her UNBORN children so much that she had all 8 at the risk that they would be premature and have developmental difficulties. After giving birth, we discover that they are premature and are going to be developmentally disabled. But that is no problem, since taking care of 3 disabled children is a breeze for her, double or triple that amount should be managable.
3. Some parents (2 people) have problems taking care of just ONE disabled child. Sully must be some sort of supermom, right? After all, she used money, probably from her welfare payments, to get plastic surgery to improve her supermom abilities. And to think she supported herself all alone! Her parents obviously didn't care enough to help. They bought her some cheap 3 bedroom house instead of a 14 bedroom estate, and are now bankrupt. And where was that granddad all this time? Instead of helping out with the kids, he was working in Iraq. Although, I'm not sure you can call that working: playing dodge the IED in the streets, wild partying with AK-armed insurgents, enjoying the perfect Middle East desert weather...
4. So please. especially you right-to-life nutjobs, donate generously, so that Sully, the supermom, can use the money to have 12 developmentally diabled kids the next time.

[desertrat]

Suleman has a lot of nerve, asking for gifts or money when taxpayers have to foot the bill for the delivery and extended care of these ill-conceived kids. Put them up for adoption and raise the six she already had. The outrage in my community alone is akin to a bonfire.

[Nativo]

Nos amo!! Respetamos a las mujeres que tienen muchos sobre el bienestar de los bebés! Suleman Viva!

[Chris]

This really upsets me. Have any of you seen the pictures of the inside of their house where she is raising her current 6 children? And she intends to bring 8 more into that mess? If it were any of us, those kids would have been taken away already. If I were Social Services, I would be taking a really close look at her, the situation, and what is best for the KIDS, not what is best for her and her diluted need for closeness and kids.

I am a single father of 6 kids ranging in ages from 15 down to 6 yr old twins. I work a full time job, and I have fully supported those kids 100% on my own. for 3 of them, the mother is ordered to pay child support, but I dont see a single penny. She owes over $50k in back support. I get no food stamps, no welfare, no disability, nothing. Not a cent of your tax dollars goes to support MY responsibility. It was my choice, and my responsibility. Granted I will never be able to afford to own my own home here in California, but my kids are taken care of with all the necessities they need. They play sports, do well in school etc. They even shake their heads at this woman.

Put the support where support is deserved. Those that are honest hard working, responsible parents. Not those that use our tax dollars to support their sick needs to have kids that they clearly can not support without a hand out.

Here's is my paypal email account: cnsheets@gmail.com Wheres my hand-outs? How am I any less deserving than this woman? Because I take responsibility? She will not get any support from me, what little money I have is better spent on my own kids.

[Maria]

My Husband and I would love to have more children. But we feel that it would be irresponsible of us to have more children knowing that we don t have the means to support them and give them the quality dedication that children need. We are just being RESPOSIBLE PARENTS and citizens. My husband and I make around $150,000 a year together and is barely enough to support our family of five. What makes you think that after finishing graduate school you will be able to support a family of 15. I don t want to offend you, but in my opinion, you need psychological help for the best interest of your children.

[Joe]

Show me a single mom and I'll show you a parasite milking the system.

[Hilary]

I am someone who went through seven long years of infertility treatments. I was unsuccessful but did end up going the adoption route with my amazing daughter, who just turned 11. So, I know the heartbreak of going through infertility procedures and the roller coast rides it produces on a monthly basis. Having said that, my husband and I believe this woman is CRAZY. We think she has some sort of obsessive, pathological condition going on! Like so many of these people who have posted, I hope that Family Services is watching her closely and MAKES SURE THE OCTUPLETS ARE ADOPTED OUT to loving families. I feel especially sorry for this babymaker's autistic son . It is clear that he is not getting the help he so desperately needs. Nope, not one penny is going to this woman's web site. She is a scam artist as well!!

[Resident from MA]

From what I gather, this doctor has had little success with his practice. Well, this mother's mini population explosion has more than made up for it. There's a very good reason why he's not all over the TV and Internet - he knows this was wrong and neglectful on his part.

She is slick - unfortunately 14 children will pay the price for years over what she has done.

[Helene]

Following my own observations about opinions, I’ve been biting my tongue on the backlash of opinions being shared the world over about this mother of 14. I’ve been waiting to finalize my thoughts until we had a chance to hear directly from the horse itself, so to speak. Finally, Dateline has given us the opportunity to hear from Ms. Suleman herself.

Having listened to the interview it’s difficult to keep one’s opinions quiet. While I have opinions about her already having 6 children and not being married and then adding to her family, I don’t think it’s my place or anyone else’s to make judgments. But I stop cold when I learn that she has NO INCOME and is living off food stamps, student loans, disability and the goodness of her parents. (Interestingly, her own mother’s interview certainly comes off as though they share the world’s disgust.) It’s not as though this was some accident, Ms. Suleman chose to have IVF and to keep all 8 babies.

Listening to Ms. Suleman speak about providing both emotionally and financially for her brood, it becomes quite clear that she isn’t living in reality. Without dissecting the selfish reasons for which she chose to have so many children or the risks she took of leaving her first six without a mother, I’ll stick to the financial and emotional issues.

How can one think that her decision to have these children is anything short of emotional and financial ignorance? Given that she lives with her parents, where there are a total of 9 people crammed into 1,500 sq. ft. of space, how does she expect to cram another 8 into that space? This is certainly not fair to the children or her parents; and one has to question whether that many people in that space is even healthy.

In reading the financial analysis of the basic costs of diapering, feeding, and transporting to doctors and eventual childcare costs alone, it is obvious that without government assistance or relying on donations she is not capable of providing for these children. Some have compared her to Angelina Jolie (both for looks and desire to have a large brood). Here’s the difference as I see it…Angelina and Brad can afford to provide for their children as well as afford to secure the additional help that it takes to raise such a large family – not to mention the fact that they are providing homes for existing homeless children.

Even if companies and people step up to help (for the benefit of the children – not because of her), her ability to provide the emotional and physical attention these children will need and deserve is highly questionable. We don’t let people have obscene quantities of cats, dog or pets in a home that is not equipped to handle them. It appears as though cramming that many people in the existing home borders on the same obscenity. A home of 1,569 sq. ft. divided by 17 people provides a total of 92.3 sq. foot per person!

No one wants these kids to suffer. Yet how do we as a society help provide for these children’s needs without reinforcing this woman’s selfish indulgence and encouraging others to act so irresponsibly?

[Proud_Americana]

To the commentor nicknamed "TGood"

Please keep your emotional comments to yourself. This was a productive discussion regarding the irresponsible reproductive choices of Nadya Suleman. What the hell do illegal immigrants have to do with this? Only goes to show that I bet you were REALLY disappointed to find she wasn't Latina.

[Psycho hose beast]

She is a complete fraud and a liar. She has destroyed her parents lives by dumping these bastard children on them while she milks the system for welfare. i want my tax dollars back. I am writing my congressman about a cap on child welfare. this is nonsense. everyone who cares should also right their congressperson to stop nut-jobs like this.

[Marie]

attention 'dee' - are you serious or have you been living under water the last few weeks? Ms. Suleman PUT HERSELF out there for all to see. While still in the hospital she hired a PR firm. They have established a website for her ASKING the public for DONATIONS. She also gave an interview on NATIONAL television, she could have decided to lay low but she didn't, she's looking for deals and sympathy!! Meanwhile, it's obvious she has had plastic surgery, while unemployed, collectiong food stamps and SSI for her already disabled kids. Not to mention these kids were conceived with the help of a sperm donar and turkey baster. You ask why we are making it OUR BUSINESS?? I suggest YOU make a donation and go help her raise these kids, she's going to need your sympathy because she sure isn't getting it from the majority of the people on this or any other board on the Internet!!

[frieda406]

the father was a sperm donor. he can't be made to pay one cent, nor should he. that's not the way those programs work. i'm sure he's still unconscious from the shock of it all. the sad part is the children, obviously. what will their lives be like? you don't have 14 children if you can't afford them. if you can, it's your own business, weird as it might be in these times of smaller families. the evidence presented thus far strongly suggests she cannot afford them. she lives w/her parents. she has no job. she owes 50k in school loans. it's not good. the taxpayers should be not be asked to support this family, but that's what will happen, unless she gets big bucks from selling her story, a reality show, etc. nothing that has happened so far has been in the best interests of these children. it's all about her. and that's what's sad. grim, in fact.

[Rich]

why r some of these people bringing up illegals?!! Stick 2 the subject. I don't mind my tax money going towards helping someone, cuz' u never know when u will need a hand with an obstacle that life throws at u. I'll take my shirt off 4 someone less fortunate anytime no ?'s asked. But I also understand how some people may b upset and criticizing. Hey what can u do?....just live life and b happy......

[Martha]

Let GrandMa abandon the mentally ill daughter immediately -- get away lady!
Your coddling and raising the first 6 enabled nutso to make more.

Within days of Grandmom leaving without a forwarding address --
the state will learn that this woman of 14 kids is a con artist and mentally ill.

the kids will be taken into care of state - who is burdened with this tragedy anyway

[Jay]

Ummm....theresa99 why should the "father" be responsible? If you watched the interview last night, he donated sperm for her to attempt to get pregnant. She is the one that froze all the embryos and continued to implant them (well the doctor did that). Also, she knew the ramifications of implanting 6 (not 8 like mentioned by others). The doctor clearly explained that to her.
This "lady" is the epitome of the selfish people we have become in America. Kids are nothing but status symbols. They are dolls for grown ups. They are bargaining chips for some and a source of income for others. Until the government steps in and stops the madness, we will continue to have kids being born into dire circumstances. It makes me sick that these poor kids did not have a choice to be born with diseases and into poverty. I'm sure at least half of the new 8 will end up with cerebal palsy which makes this even sadder.
Congrats on your degree Ms. Crazy lady on being close to getting your degree. You will join the other people that are jobless or working at McDonalds.

[jeff haupt]

Anyone who gives her money is contributing to this type of irresponsibilty. Others may think this is a easy way to get money without having to work for it. People who have supported her in these comments are idiots.

[jmw]

i dont think that foster care would necessarily be the best bet for these kids, as there are thousands of children needing foster care and not getting it. that being said, having 6 kids you cannot afford and willfully opting for another 6 (and getting 8) is terribly irresponsible. its not just the money, but how on earth is she going to provide enough one on one time with her existing children once the others come home? having one child can be a challenge, but half of her existing children need special care, leaving the other three probably feeling pretty left out by mom already. now the original children will be basically dumped off on grandma so that mom can try to cope with the new ones who are most likely going to have a whole host of problems as well.

[murray b]

This woman needs mental health care. She's delusional, if she thinks she can care for 8 newborns, in addition to her previous 6 young children and get back to school and get a degree.

She claims to be independent and self reliant yet she hasn't worked since 1999, has debts and is supported by her parent and receiving state assistance.

She's been on disablity payments and according to her, unable to work, yet she thinks she can care for 14 children, 8 of which are newborns ??

And will she be claiming the income from the website and paying taxes ?

Isn't it obvious she has serious mental health issues ? How can she be a fit parent to one child, ...let alone 14 !

Those poor children, they will be exposed to the glare of the media whenever this deranged woman seeks more attention and needs money.

[troy]

You guys have it all wrong. I hope this lady gets a big payday from a book contract, the likes of Oprah Winfrey, or whomever. The more money she makes, the less we tax payers will have to pay to support her and her babies. This way, the illegal aliens and their anchor babies can get our tax money instead.

Weeee!