In November 1997, a medical and media phenomenon was born in Des Moines, Iowa. Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey welcomed the world's first set of septuplets to survive infancy, a event that captivated global attention and sparked a mixture of public fascination and debate.
The seven babies - Nathan, Kelsey, Brandon, Joel, Natalie, Alexis, and Kenny Jr - arrived nine weeks premature, all within a remarkable six-minute window. Their birth weights ranged from a fragile two to four pounds each.
A Miraculous Conception and a Firm Decision
The path to this historic multiple birth began with Bobbi's fertility challenges. Born with a malfunctioning pituitary gland, she struggled to produce hormones for ovulation. After conceiving their first daughter, Mikayla, the couple had difficulty getting pregnant again.
An injection of the fertility drug Metrodin proved dramatically successful, resulting in a septuple pregnancy. Faced with medical advice to consider selective reduction, the McCaugheys made a decision that would define their journey. They declined, with Bobbi stating the pregnancy was 'in God's hands.'
'Any child is a gift from God, whether it's one at a time or seven at a time,' Bobbi told NBC News at the time. 'It didn't take very long - just a few weeks - to get used to the idea that we're going to have a very big family.'
Life in the Global Spotlight
The family was immediately thrust into an intense media spotlight. While some criticised the parents for bringing so many children into the world at once, an outpouring of public support saw them receive generous donations including a 5,500 square foot home, a van, nappies for two years, and a year's supply of Kraft macaroni and cheese.
Their fame reached the highest levels, receiving a congratulatory call from President Bill Clinton and a meeting with President George W. Bush in 2002. The family made multiple appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and featured in numerous advertisements and magazines.
Throughout the attention, Kenny McCaughey remained determined to keep his family grounded. 'My fear has always been that they see our jobs and think that's all they need for nice stuff,' he told TODAY in 2016. 'I've given them the cold, hard truth slowly. No way could I afford this home on my salary. If you want something, you have to work for it.'
The Septuplets Today: Scattered But Close
Now approaching 28 years old, the McCaughey septuplets have largely stepped away from public life, building their own careers and families across the United States.
Kenny Jr, the oldest, lives in Dallas Center, Iowa with his wife Synthia and their child, working as a cabinet maker and carpenter.
Alexis, who has cerebral palsy, achieved her dream of working with children and is employed at a daycare. She lives with her parents in Runnells, Iowa.
Natalie works as head athletic trainer at Hannibal-LaGrange University, where she and her siblings were offered free admission. She married and welcomed a baby boy last year.
Kelsey works as a medical office receptionist in Missouri and, with her husband Kevin, adopted a son.
Nathan, who also lives with cerebral palsy, works in tech support and lives independently in Des Moines.
Brandon realised his childhood dream by joining the US army, where he now serves as a Sergeant. He lives in South Carolina with his wife and two children.
Joel, the youngest, works at a help desk and lives with his parents and sister Alexis in Runnells.
'When we are all together, it's just the best time,' Kelsey told the Des Moines Register. 'Those times are even more sacred now. They are so incredibly sweet with all our significant others and kids.'
A New Chapter for the Family Home
With the children having left the family home almost a decade ago, Bobbi and Kenny made a significant decision in 2017. They arranged for their donated 5,500 square foot house to be purchased by Ruth Harbor Ministries, an organisation that cares for expecting mothers.
The purchase allowed the charity to expand its services, establishing a full-time Mother-Child Program. The McCaugheys have since relocated to a smaller home with plenty of room for visiting grandchildren.
'I love it when everybody gets back home; it doesn't happen often,' Bobbi shared. 'It's crowded and noisy. I love seeing the driveway full of cars and grandkids riding bikes.'
Reflecting on their extraordinary journey, Bobbi told USA Today, 'So many things have happened. The memories, the joys, the heartbreaks that have happened. It's what has gotten us to where we are today.'
