AIBU to think this is bonkers?

The chances of any of these babies surviving must be almost nil.
I wonder how she afforded the treatment and how she will pay for the delivery and intensive care, if it ever gets that far? Do they have the gutter press in Germany, to pay for her story?

Glad it turned out Ok in your family whenim64
Elegran I think there are different regs and recommendations in different countries. We have had guidance from the :
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Fertilisation_and_Embryology_Authority

on such matters in this country, fortunately.

I read today that the treatment was carried out in the Ukraine

Actually when I think it's already a tragedy. These children if they survive are going to be hawked round the media circus for her to raise the money to bring them up. What sort of damage is that going to do?

Both my DDs had IVF, 4 and 7 years ago. Two implanted eggs was the limit and they were advised that they could just have one, but chances of pregnancy would be significantly better if two of the highest grade fertilised eggs were implanted. The rest could be frozen. Thankfully, both DDs had twins, but not without complications. The massive course of hormones taken in the run up to harvesting and implanting eggs can be overwhelming for the body. The thought of such a pregnancy with quads would frighten me - they're unlikely to get to full term and could need intensive care for weeks and months. I hope this doesn't end in tragedy.

Sometimes only one is implanted but they continue to split up in the womb - not sure about the biological process involved. I get other info. from a relative who has had some treatment, so second hand I'm no expert.
It's an interesting subject, if you Google births after 50 you can find lists, several being natural conceptions due to a late menopause.

I thought there was a general agreement among IVF professionals to limit the number of babies conceived this way to two at a time. I don't know whether these were implanted from donors or conceived internally after the hormone treatment bumped up her own egg production, but if a consultant implanted four or more, he is not acting as he should.

Four babies at that age could be more than her body can deal with.

As far as medical ethics are concerned, most of these "miracle births" result from treatment in private clinics, and cost a fortune. Maybe the couple or woman has had some treatment under the NHS but this is limited, so if no success they go on to pay, if they have the money.
As you know there's ongoing research on this and things are still experimental so both parties must know there's a risk. I wouldn't be surprised if they have to sign a disclaimer.

Oh I see. Fair enough.

True. What I said was not an attempt to stop people saying they couldn't imagine, etc. It's just that, in my opinion, it doesn't matter if we can't imagine her thought porcesses or motives for doing what she's doing, it doesn't make any difference as she's already doing it. So my comment was a response to someone else's (several someones) comment. Nothing more.

Well it does really. Because who knows who is reading this site. There could be medics on our midst for example, or grandparents on this site could be talking with their young grandchildren who will be medics.
In short, it is an exchange of views and opinions. So if we come up with say reasons and a whole lot of other stuff, we have no way of knowing what is being taken on board, which may change the path of something later on.

It doesn't matter what we can't imagine. We are not doing what she is doing.

The mind boggles.

So, TriciaF, both the woman and the medics could be said to be acting irresponsibly, making a foray into the unknown with four little lives at risk.

Part of the treatment is they get pumped full of hormones, which can be dangerous.
We know someone who had a girl at age 55 and boy at 57 and heard some of the story.

Can you imagine being 75 and having 10-year-old quads charging around? No - neither can I and I'm only 7 months away from that advanced age!

The woman's mad (I mean the pregnant one). Medically, how could it happen? I do know how it could happen physically - there are no flies on me - but surely her body is not up to it at that age? Is it?

<shrug>

PS soutra where is you opinion, don't you have one,

soutra I do have an opinion and gave it. Live and let live and judge ye not is my opinion

Apparently she is single. As she's already 21 weeks pregnant, I'd imagine she'll only have another 10-12 weeks to go (31 weeks is usual for quads, I've read).

I presume she'll be paid for the documentary she's doing for German tv, which should pay for a nanny for a while!

She'll probably get the older ones to look after the little'uns.
I should think she'll have to spend the last months in hospital.
I wonder if she has a husband?

Do you mean laws, soontobe? Also, if, as you imply, addiction is a medical condition, then where do you draw the line in defining addiction? I think particularly of those who, it is said, are addicted to food, or alcohol, never mind drugs. Interesting...

Sorry to digress, although it does tie in with bags comment about "people with various conditions pushing the limits of medical provision and knowledge".

I cannot imagine being pregnant not, let alone having thirteen children etc. etc. And I cannot understand why any sane woman would want to be in that situation.

There have to be society limits to things.
Else I could camp on your front lawn for instance.

As regards smoking. It is in essence an addiction. People shouldnt have to pay if they have become addicted to something.