Potential liability of reproductive endocrinologists for high order multiple gestation.
BACKGROUND
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Borahay
Mostafa
M
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-0587, USA. maboraha@utmb.edu
Phelps
John
J
D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D004704:Endocrinology / Q000941:ethics*; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D009099:Multiple Birth Offspring / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*