The woman gave birth to 7 children, you won’t believe this is what happened to them 20 years later!
In 1997, septuplets were born for the first time, and all the children managed to survive. Their mother endured a lot—not only from a difficult pregnancy and long labor but also from public criticism. Some people expressed their dissatisfaction, questioning her decision and accusing her of irresponsibility. They claimed it was reckless to risk giving birth to so many children, suggesting it would have been better to focus on those who were stronger.
Read about how the lives of all seven children turned out in our article.
When an ultrasound revealed that pregnant Bobbi McCaughey was carrying seven children, she and her husband Kenny were advised not to keep all of them because their chances of survival were slim. Both spouses were horrified by this idea, insisting they were ready to take the risk and “let everything be in God’s hands.” At the time, this was a risky decision, and the couple faced a storm of accusations.
Criticism reached its peak when Bobbi went into labor nine weeks early. Meanwhile, all of America held its breath in anticipation. On November 19, 1997, Bobbi was rushed to the hospital, where she gave birth to Kenny, Kelsey, Natalie, Brandon, Alexis, Nathan, and Joel—four boys and three girls. Doctors were deeply concerned about the survival of all seven babies. They predicted that even if the babies were born alive, their chances of survival would be extremely low.
To everyone’s amazement, all the babies survived—not just the first critical days but also nearly 20 years since their birth. November 19th has become a huge holiday for this family, as it celebrates seven birthdays at once!
“Time flies so quickly,” Bobbi reflects. “So much has happened during this time—joys, sorrows, pleasant moments, and times when nerves were on edge. But it’s all made us who we are today.”
Back on the day of their birth, when a doctor stepped in front of the cameras and announced, “The birth was successful—four boys, three girls, all alive and well,” public opinion shifted dramatically. President Bill Clinton personally called the new parents to congratulate them, and Oprah Winfrey celebrated the family’s significant addition on her evening show. The family received countless flowers, congratulations, and even practical gifts: a house, a minivan, food supplies, diapers for two years, and full college tuition at Iowa State University. These gifts were by no means superfluous, as the babies consumed 42 bottles of food and used 52 diapers every day—a staggering expense for any family.
Over time, as the media’s attention faded, the McCaugheys faced the financial challenges of providing a decent life for seven children. However, the parents managed to adjust their daily lives through teamwork. The children grew up obedient, capable, and grateful. They worked together to manage household chores like cleaning, cooking, and doing homework.
Twenty years after the septuplets’ birth, the McCaughey family still lives in the same house they were gifted and uses the same minivan. Although the house is modest by American standards and the 20-year-old van has seen better days, the parents prioritize investing in more pressing needs. After all, there’s always something to spend money on. For example, the eldest daughter, Mikaya, recently got married, and all seven siblings attended her wedding.
“I don’t think we could have done it without our friends and family,” says Bobbi. “Every time we needed help, someone was there to lend a hand. The incredible support we received is the foundation that has kept us strong.”
Despite the support, the family has faced challenges that only doctors could address. Two of the children, Alexis and Nathan, were born with cerebral palsy. Both underwent multiple surgeries, with Nathan even requiring spinal surgery to walk. Nevertheless, both children thrived. Alexis even participated in a 2013 beauty pageant for children with disabilities.
After graduation, five of the children moved to different states for college, aided by educational grants, while two stayed in their hometown. One joined the army, and the rest pursued various opportunities.
Looking back, neither Bobbi nor Kenny regrets their decision. “I don’t think there’s anything to regret in our situation,” Bobbi says. “There is only joy, pride, and happiness.”
The story of the McCaughey septuplets has inspired countless people, reminding us of the strength of family, faith, and resilience.
