The Los Angeles doctor who treated "Octomom", Michael Kamrava, has been expelled from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) for a "pattern of behavior" detrimental to the work of his colleagues. In January, his patient, 33-year-old Nadya Suleman, gave birth to eight babies, giving her a family of 14 children. Around the world she was criticised for her irresponsible fecundity. 

After this blaze of unwelcome publicity, the ASRM apparently wants to send a strong message to prospective patients that it represents a responsible industry. At least six embryos were implanted in Suleman's uterus, which breached ASRM guidelines. For patients under 35, only 1 or 2 embryos are recommended for implantation.

As the ASRM is not a legal authority, Dr Kamrava will still be permitted to practise.

Dr Kamrava is not a rogue physician. He has a distinguished CV and even worked at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel early in his career. Some leading IVF doctors have defended him. "I am not a policeman for reproduction in the United States. My role is to educate patients," said Dr James Grifo, a former president of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, said earlier this year. "Who am I to say that six is the limit?" asked Dr Jeffrey Steinberg, a well-known California IVF specialist. "There are people who like to have big families." ~ LA Times, Oct 20