Pregnant at 50

Recently, I came across an article published by New York magazine which explores the controversy surrounding becoming a mother at fifty or above. In recent years, more and more women are opting to have children later in life. For some women they want to add to their already established family, while for others it’s a late first pregnancy after pursuing their career. Whatever the reason, the number of women giving birth in their forties and into their fifties has risen dramatically in the last number of years. However, older women have been condemned as selfish and self centred for choosing to have babies. The arguments against motherhood late in life are based around health risks and the fact that the older mother might be unable to care for her child properly. Others argue that it is a woman’s fundamental right to give birth regardless of age. While reading the article, I began to wonder about the lack of outrage out there directed towards older fathers. It seems every few weeks in the media there is a tale of another celebrity becoming a father again at 50, 60, or indeed 70. In fact, in the last few weeks Hugh Grant has become a first time father at the age of 51. Why has all the media coverage chosen to celebrate the fact that he has finally become a father without even the faintest suggestion that he might be too old for the task? If Hugh can do it, why can’t we?

 

The article in the New York magazine chronicles women who have become pregnant over 50 undergoing IVF treatment using donor eggs and examines issues such as health, vitality, and the welfare of the children. There are many health risks attributed to older mothers including, a higher risk of stroke as a result of pregnancy induced hypertension. After the age of 35, preterm labour increases by 20%. After 40, a pregnant woman is more likely to suffer from preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and hypertension. While researching this issue, I have noticed the biggest concern for most is how can a fifty year old woman possibly cope with how exhausting parenthood is? The endless feeds, the constant lack of sleep, not to mention as they grow mum needs to be able to chase after them, play games with them, and have a seemingly endless supply of energy.

 

It is without a doubt a complex debate fraught with moral complications on both sides. The question remains however, should there be regulations preventing IVF treatment for women over a certain age or should any healthy, vibrant woman be denied a baby simply on the basis of age?