Synopsis

Once a rare phenomenon, twins, triplets, quads and higher order multiple births are literally exploding. Why is this happening and what are the implications for the future?

Go behind the headlines to meet extraordinary families who are surviving and thriving with their extended broods. Meet the staff at Texas Children's Hospital that helped deliver the Collins septuplets. Explore the secret world of infertility treatments - where modern medicine is pushing the envelope in the quest to bring infertile couples the gift of a child, at any cost. We look at the darker side of fertility treatments and discover the unknown consequences of such treatment and multiple births. The high cost of fertility therapy leads to couples taking increased risks. They are often left unprepared for the option to reduce multiple births and face agonizing decisions.

Take an inside look at the mysterious world of twins and Supertwins, and examine the vanished twin and fetus-in-fetus syndromes. We look at what happens when a twin or other multiple dies. Look at the unique relationships that exist in multiple families, and see the special bond that twins and triplets share with each other and their families. Then look into the future and see how Supertwins are affecting world population growth, and examine the implications multiple births are having on society. Explore the farthest reaches of science, where couples may one day be able to "design" the child of their choice.