'Octomum' doctor faces fresh accusations

The fertility doctor who helped 'Octomum' Nayda Suleman conceive octuplets transferred seven embryos to another woman, according to the Medical Board of California.

The 48-year-old woman became pregnant with quadruplets, but suffered complications and lost one fetus, according to a revised lawsuit filed by the Board. The remaining triplets were born six weeks early by caesarean section and one has 'profound developmental delays'.

Dr. Michael Kamrava placed the woman, L.C. 'at great risk for high order gestation' by implanting more than the medically-recommended two embryos into a patient over 35, the Board said in its complaint. Such a high number of embryos 'should not be transferred into any woman, regardless of age'. Dr Kamrava is also accused of 'not recommending that she consult with a mental health professional', even though L.C. was close to 50 years of age, had three adult children and had undergone IVF with a donor she knew.

The new accusations have been added to the existing lawsuit against Dr Kamrava, which was filed after Ms Suleman gave birth 18 months ago.

The revised complaint also accuses Dr Kamrava of failing to refer another patient for cancer screening, despite her history of cancer and finding cysts on her ovaries. The 42-year-old woman was later diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer and had to have her uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.

Dr Kamrava will answer the complaints at a hearing on October 18, which could lead to the Board revoking his license.