Officials doubt Tunisian woman carrying 12 fetuses

Published 11:45 am Tuesday, August 18, 2009

TUNIS, Tunisia — Tunisian authorities are investigating a claim that a woman in Tunisia is pregnant with 12 babies.

French and British media reported the woman will soon give birth to six girls and six boys.

A Health Ministry official in Tunisia said today the claim seemed doubtful and that the woman — who has not been identified — has refused to see a doctor for an ultrasound.

Another Health Ministry official said a team was sent to the southern town of Gafsa to try to meet the woman.

The officials, not authorized to speak publicly about the case, asked not to be named.