In a remarkable turn of events, María del Carmen Bousada de Lara, a 66-year-old woman from Cádiz, Spain, gave birth to twin boys, becoming the world’s oldest documented mother at the time. Her decision, however, sparked controversy and criticism, particularly from her own family.
A Lifelong Dream Realized
María, a retired department store employee, had long harbored the desire to become a mother. Following the death of her own mother in 2005, she pursued in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in California. To qualify for the procedure, she reportedly misrepresented her age, claiming to be 55, the clinic’s age limit for IVF.
In December 2006, María delivered healthy twin boys, Christian and Pau, via cesarean section at the Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona. The birth made international headlines, highlighting advancements in reproductive technology and raising ethical questions about late-life motherhood.
Family Backlash and Ethical Debates
Despite achieving her dream, María faced significant backlash. Her own family labeled her actions as “selfish,” expressing concerns about her ability to care for the children at her age. Critics argued that her decision prioritized personal desires over the well-being of the children, igniting debates about the responsibilities of parenthood and the limits of reproductive technology.
#SabiasQue la mujer más vieja en dar a luz es Maria del Carmen Bousada (España) a los 66 años y 358 días. pic.twitter.com/zFVdlz8xLu
— Guinness World Records LatAm (@gwr_es) January 5, 2017
A Tragic Turn
Tragically, María’s time with her sons was short-lived. Just six months after giving birth, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She passed away in July 2009, leaving her sons orphaned at the age of two and a half. Following her death, her nephew and his wife assumed responsibility for raising the boys.
Legacy and Ongoing Discussions
María’s story continues to evoke discussions about the ethical implications of late-life parenthood, the role of medical professionals in assessing patient suitability for fertility treatments, and the societal pressures surrounding motherhood. While her decision remains controversial, it undeniably challenges conventional notions of age and parenting.
