Controversy within the fertility treatment communtiy is erupting after recent news hit that the world’s oldest new mother, Maria del Carmen Bousada, has passed away just 3 years after giving birth to her twin boys. Bousada was 66 years old when she gave birth to the twins in Spain after lying about her age (saying she was 55) in order to undergo in vitro fertilization. Her death and subsequent motherless toddlers that she left behind has struck a chord with the media leaving many to question how old is too old to have a baby and whether fertility clinics should have stricter guidelines when conducting in vitro fertilization.
CNN recently reported about a survey conducted a couple of months ago by Babycenter.com that revealed 7 out of 10 moms wanted stricter laws for IVF treatments to be put in place. Also, half of the respondents felt it was bad for the children if a parent conceived after 45.
As it stands today, fertility clinics are not mandated to turn someone away just because of their age. Each case is reviewed individually by fertility specialists, taking into account the woman’s health and background rather than age alone. Dr. John Jain, physician at the Santa Monica Fertility Clinic, explains how times have changed for women trying to conceive later in life. He told CNN, "The 40 and 45 year old of today is not the 40 year old of the past; the 50-year old is not the same of the past. They’re eating healthy. A woman who is 45 is barely halfway through her life."
Georgia Dardick, who conceived her child with the help of fertility specialists at the age of 51, has felt the guilt from her decision in the past but explains, "The word selfish has come into my mind. But for any parent, having a child is selfish. No matter what your age is, once you have that child, you owe that child everything. I live the best, healthiest life I can."
Do you think there should be stricter laws placed on fertility clinics when treating older women who want to conceive?
Should there be an age limit placed on fertiltiy treatments or should each case be reviewed individually?
I don't like how everyone jumps all over women about social issues but not men. What about men who have children in their 70's? That happens all the time! Why are we (as a society) so much harder on women about everything--from being single parents, to being a working or stay-at-home parent, to choosing to remain childless. When it comes to women, all gloves are off, and we constantly attempt to legislate their behavior. Yet, men are given a free pass. Why? And why do other women become so judgemental and sexist about these female social/biological issues?
krispy76::
on Aug 28, 2009
There should definitely be limits! It's completely irresponsible to have children at such a late stage in life. That puts a burden on all of us! If, by some miracle, a woman of 60 got pregnant naturally, then I wouldn't say a word, but if your body is no longer naturally able to get PG, then it's probably not the best idea. If she has fertility issues and is below 45 years of age, then go for it! I have suffered from infertilty for years and am not against treatment at all, but I don't think when I visit my specialist, I should have to sit next to a 60yr old who is trying to get pregnant.
balladiana::
on Aug 30, 2009
Yes!! There definitely should be an age limit. Women go through menapause for a reason, that reason being, once you've hit a certain age, your body is not ment to bear children any longer. Breaking this does so much harm to the body, and maybe even the child. Clinics should have done this a long time ago
Whitestar::
on Sep 04, 2009
To say those babies never should have been born because their lives might get hard at some point completely devalues life.
Whitestar::
on Sep 04, 2009
PS-I was born to an older woman. To say I never should have been born because my my mother was older is completely insulting to me. The government should get to choose for me whether or not I get a chance to live? They have too much control as it is.
SZYmom::
on Oct 30, 2009
I am not so sure if we should exactly laws concerning something personal like that.. Myself, I am pregnant with my 2nd child at 29. I had my 1st at age 21. I do find that physically it is much more difficult that I am older, and I am not even 30 yet. In my case, the first pregancy was an unplanned one while in college. The father disapeared. I met and married my wonderful husband (who is now dad to my older son in all senses except biological) shortly before my sons birthday. after we married we had tried to have our won together.. and was told due to pcocs I could not get pregant on my own. We decided not to go through fertility treatments but not to use birth control either- we would let God decide. Two years late I unexpectedly became pregnant! I am so happy.. but like I said, at an older age it is more difficult. I really don't think I could handle another pregnancy.. and I always said I would never have a child part the age of 30.
farmerbrown2002::
on Nov 02, 2009
I think it depends on the situtation mtself.Personnaly I wouldn't want a child at that age.Besides now days most of us are taking care of grandkids.With the world we live in more and more grandparents have their grandkids.
