Potential liability of reproductive endocrinologists for high order multiple gestation

In light of the recent octuplet birth and the accompanying intensive media coverage, there has been much attention on high order multiple births resulting from assisted reproductive technology.

The purpose of this commentary is to review 1) the relative contribution of ART to high order multiple gestation and its impact on infant morbidity, mortality, and health care dollar loss; 2) American Society of Reproductive Medicine's guidelines for the number of embryos transferred in ART; and 3) how reproductive endocrinologists can lessen their exposure to litigation by following the ASRM guidelines for the number of embryos transferred and documenting proper informed consent in the medical records.

In situations in which the number of embryos transferred is in excess of the ASRM guidelines, justification for deviating from the ASRM guidelines should be justifiable and documented in the medical records.