Nadya Suleman, the woman who became famous as “Octomom” after giving birth to octuplets, is sharing her biggest regret from the experience.
“I do regret not suing the infertility doctor,” Suleman told People. “I definitely regret that because his insurance would’ve been the one paying, and it would’ve been some millions, and it would’ve been helpful for my family.”
In 2009, Suleman, who had six older children, became pregnant with octuplets via IVF after Beverly Hills fertility specialist Dr. Michael Kamrava transferred 12 embryos, created with sperm from an unidentified donor, into her uterus.
Both Kamrava and Suleman were criticized for their actions: Suleman for deciding to have so many kids despite her financial problems, and Kamreva for ignoring the standard practice of transferring no more than two embryos into a patient’s womb.
Kamreva was later stripped of his medical license, according to People, and Suleman told the outlet she regrets protecting him.
“I regret that I kind of threw myself under the bus to cover for him, and I shouldn’t have but I was grateful,” Suleman said. “I wouldn’t have had any of my kids if it weren’t for his innovative technique. No one else in the world did this type of procedure so I didn’t have it in my heart to sue him.”
Suleman did, however, sue the hospital where she gave birth after some hospital employees reportedly shared her name and medical information with the press. “They’re the reason why I ended up in the public eye,” she said.
Suleman, now 49, tried to support her family through various means, including by appearing in a horror movie, making a porn video, and even competing in a celebrity boxing match.
She also struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor welfare fraud in 2014.
Suleman’s star is back on the rise this weekend thanks to the Lifetime Network.
“I Was Octomom,” a dramatized film about Suleman’s life, debuts on Saturday, while “Confessions Of Octomom,” a six-part documentary series, premieres on March 10.
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