Read more: Local, National, State, Health
The controversial birth of octoplets in California has sparked legal action in Missouri.
A Buchanan County lawmaker has called for regulations to prevent multiple births, by limiting the number of embryos a doctor could implant in a woman.
Republican Rob Schaaf, a physician from St. Joseph, says the ultimate cost for medical irresponsibility in cases like the California "octo-mom" is simply unacceptable.
"When you have these multiple births like these, you know who's going to pick up the fees? It's the taxpayer,” said Schaaf. “There's increased hospital fees that's going to force up insurance premiums and then taxes to cover the increased tax payer cost so this is bad for everyone."
Fertility doctors say the legislation is not needed here because techniques in place already ensure couples can have a baby without the risk of multiple births.
The medical community says that the “octo-mom” case is a ridiculous exception. Schaaf says his bill still has a good chance to pass.
