Hospital may not release octuplets to mom

BELLFLOWER, Calif., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Nadya Suleman, mother of new octuplets, is concerned a California hospital will not release her new children to her, TV star Phil McGraw says.

McGraw, host of the "Dr. Phil" TV show, said Suleman fears the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Bellflower, Calif., may retain custody of her eight babies unless she improves her living situation, the Los Angeles Times said Wednesday.

Suleman already had six children and was living at her mother's house when she gave birth to the octuplets Jan. 26.

"What she is telling me is that unless and until she has a better living arrangement, that they are not likely to release the children to her," McGraw said, referring to the hospital.

McGraw had no specific details regarding what standards Suleman may be expected to meet to obtain custody of her octuplets.

Jim Anderson, Kaiser Permanente Southern California director of media relations, told the Times hospital staff typically dispenses advice and support when dealing with multiple births.