This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Sorry, folks. No multiple birth records are likely to be broken this month. The Tunisian woman who claimed to be carrying six boys and six girls is unlikely to even be pregnant, a British newspaper reported today.
She has refused to undergo a medical examination and has gone into hiding, The Daily Telegraphreports.
A spokesman for the Tunisan health ministry told the paper, "Our staff interviewed her at length, but even her pregnancy appears to be in her imagination." Although she claims to be nine months pregnant, the ministry says, "there's absolute [sic] nothing about her appearance which indicates this."
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
A doctor in her hometown of Gafsa, suggested that she was trying to make money from television. "These kind of people can make thousands from appearing on programs," he told the paper.
Earlier this year, Nadya Suleman became the first person to successfully give birth to octuplets who all survived.
Read our Ask the Experts to find out why humans are not adapted to give birth to eight—or a dozen babies.
Image of baby doll courtesy zakwitnij via Flickr
