Indian Woman Gives Birth at 70
There’s been an abundance of odd headlines lately, fading even before their 15 minutes, like Police flush man from bathroom ceiling, and Woman smuggles monkey to U.S. under blouse.
But one such headline refuses to go away: Indian woman, 70, gives birth to first child after IVF treatment.
Part oddity, part odyssey, the story of septuagenarian first-time mother Rajo Devi has reverberated around the world, sparking a fierce debate about whether giving birth late in life is responsible.
For 50 years of marriage, Devi tried unsuccessfully to have a child. Her husband, now 72, even married Devi’s sister in an effort to produce a child—an acceptable practice in their region of India. But the sister did not become pregnant either. News reports said the couple endured great cultural shame because of their inability to have children.
So with the help of a fertility specialist, a donor egg, and her husband’s sperm, 70-year-old Devi became pregnant and delivered a baby daughter. “We longed for a child all these years,” she said, “and now we are very happy to have one.”
But not all the world shared the couple’s joy. From India to Ireland, Australia to America, people reacted to the same critical questions, summed up by a newspaper columnist: “Where does the yearning to be a parent become selfish disregard for the life of the child being created? A child whose parents will almost definitely not see her into adulthood? How old is too old to have a baby?”
Absurd. Appalling. Selfish. Many readers offered the same objections. “Wow, she will most likely be dead before the child’s 10th birthday,” one wrote. “What a terrible thing to do to a child, to insure that they will live most of their life without a parent.” While some quoted news reports that the baby had a large extended family to help, others countered: “Do you know a child who has lost their mother before their 12th birthday? Go try saying to them, ‘Oh well, at least you’ve got an extended family’ and see what reaction you’ll get. No one can ever replace your mother.”
Some readers were less disapproving: “Who knows, having the wisdom of being 70 and raising a child might be one of the best things for that kid.” Another questioned, “Who are we to judge? Just because a mother has a baby at 20 does not guarantee she will see the baby into adulthood. Sometimes having a parent who really wanted a baby is far more valuable.”
Still others took issue with the doctors’ role: “Surely the physicians who treated Rajo Devi were equally responsible for this moral quandary? Who are they to help ‘create’ a child condemned to a parentless life?”
Tell us what you think: Did Rajo Devi act responsibly or irresponsibly in giving birth at age 70? When personal dreams collide with personal responsibility, which should take precedence?
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Having baby at seventy
If it’s ok for these male movie stars to have babies when their in their sixties and seventies why not a woman?
Anonymous | 1 year, 2 months ago
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it is the lord's doing
the lord is so good. He is more than what men can imagine
olofinlua oyindamola | 1 year, 2 months ago
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Weakening human gene pool
As a woman, age 47, who cannot have children, I would NOT EVER consider such drastic means to conceive a child. We are weakening our gene pool when we accomplish forced conception for a couple who cannot conceive and carry to term on their own, to pass on their genetics, as we pass weak genes on to the next generation. Breeders of pedigreed animals would not do such a foolish thing; we should care enough about our future to do the same!
Anonymous | 1 year, 2 months ago
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Why have a child ????
In another blog we discussed the issue having more than 2 children and, in the course of that discussion, the idea or reason for having the child came up. I don’t think the age of either parent was mentioned as a limiting factor other than in so far as it affects the ability of the parents to provide a consistent, supportive home for that child. On the other hand, we did discuss the issue of outside social or other factors which tend to bring about unwanted or perhaps ill prepared conception.
In this case, my only concern is that the parents have the capacity and the desire to provide the best home they can for the child they now have. As stated, they, or at least the mother, satisfied her culturally implied social responsibility to bear at least one child but the question remains … did they want the child for the child’s sake and will they see their parenting responsibilities through to completion.
Parents in that age bracket might be forced to delegate that responsibility if they simply wear out but that situation should have been considered and prepared for before conception.
Anonymous | 1 year, 2 months ago
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human
People strive throughout their lives to accomplish that which makes them whole.
We don’t argue the value of an education for those receiving their degree after years of struggle. We don’t argue the value of finally achieving the ability to purchase a new fancy car. Why do we judge those whose life ambition is to have a child? Some mothers die at childbirth – do we shame them for wanting a child? Do we think less of them for bringing a child into the world?
I too have concerns about the child’s welfare (education, finances) but imposing my standards or pre-judgement is just as thoughtless an act. Many people now live into their 100’s. This child has a chance to have parents until their 30’s. Blessings on their house.
Anonymous | 1 year, 2 months ago
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Baby at 70
I have always let the Lord direct my path in life. My husband and I tried for many years to have a baby with no success. Neither of us got checked by a doctor as we thought if it was meant to happen, it will. I got a point in my life where I accepted the fact that we would be childless. Then, after 17 years of marriage; the year of my 40th birthday, I found out I was pregnant. Although anxious about the pregnancy, I was happy. Now, that my son is here, (and is now 2) I would not change anything in my life. He has turned out to the the light of my life and makes each day worth living to the fullest.
The moral behind this story: I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe if the Lord wanted a 70 year old woman to have a baby, he would make it physically possible for it to happen without the use of a fertility doctor.
Many blessings go out to the new mother and father and I pray they live long enough to raise their child into adulthood and if they should be taken from the child before adulthood, I pray that child is strong enough to get through it and understands why his parents had him so late in life and realizes how much they loved him.
Irresponsible: I wouldn’t say irresponsible, maybe selfish, maybe it is not something I would do, but who I am to judge?
Roxanne Davis | 1 year, 2 months ago
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The woman used a donor egg.
The woman used a donor egg. Her genetic contribution to the child is zero.
Anonymous | 1 year, 2 months ago
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Houston,Tx
My name is Constance and I am overjoyed what the Lord has done for you and your husband. How he has turned your mourning into joy. I am a witness of his goodness. I was blessed with a beautiful little girl named Charity, who is now 10 years old. God gave her to us in 1998. I celebrate with you and your husband today.
Anonymous | 1 year, 2 months ago
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Homemaker
I say more power to her, it’s got to be a miracle or some kind of crazy. I just hope there is someone young enough in the family to raise it when the parents are gone…got to love it though because it gives some of us hope that there are still miracles out there…
Anonymous | 1 year, 2 months ago
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No Miracle, only Medical Manipulation
Don’t confuse this story with a miracle. A miracle happens when you least expect it, but need it. It has no explanation. This is simply a matter of medical manipulation. Don’t you know there is a doctor giving seminars about how HE was able to do this amazing thing! Then he gets to walk away, with no responsibility to the rest of the story. Rearing the child.
Medical ethics is the next big bubble issue with the rising cost of medical procedures and the per capita cost we pay for these ‘miracles’. Just because it can be done, doesn’t mean it should be done.
elizabeth | 1 year, 1 month ago
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