Safina Namukwaya, a 70-year-old woman from Kampala, Uganda, recently made headlines by giving birth to twins through in vitro fertilization (IVF). On November 29th, she underwent a cesarean section at Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Center and welcomed a healthy boy and girl, both weighing over 5 pounds. Dr. Edward Tamale Sali, her fertility specialist, shared that Namukwaya’s twins were discharged on January 6, and the mother is captivated by her newborns.
The twins were given the names Shakira Babiyre Nabagala (daughter) and Kato Shafique Kangave (son), affectionately referred to as Babiyre and Kato. In her rural village, Namukwaya and her husband, Walusimbi Badru, have adopted the titles Nalongo (mother of twins) and Salongo (father of twins) respectively, in celebration of their remarkable family expansion.
During a press conference on January 6, Dr. Sali praised Namukwaya’s extraordinary recovery, stating that she was up and walking on the same day as the cesarean delivery, jesting that she was “almost playing football.” Her overall health was commended, with normal blood pressure and no signs of diabetes, leading to widespread joy and celebration throughout Africa. Dr. Sali even humorously offered his services for future pregnancies, should Namukwaya desire more children.
The pediatrician caring for the twins, Dr. Gloria Lunyolo, described them as “miracle babies.” They are currently being nourished with a combination of formula and breast milk, ensuring their well-being.
Namukwaya expressed her feelings of elation on December 1, just two days after giving birth. She acknowledged that while some might consider 70 years old to be advanced for childbirth, she firmly believed that God had granted her this blessing, emphasizing that no one could place limits on divine authority.
Namukwaya, who already has a 3-year-old daughter, spoke of her support network, with neighbors and friends volunteering to assist with tasks such as laundry and baby care due to her age.
The journey to parenthood for Namukwaya and her husband involved turning to IVF, specifically using donor eggs and her husband’s sperm. Four embryos were implanted, leading to the conception of the twins, as shared by Dr. Sali. It’s worth noting that in the United States, IVF and medically assisted reproduction typically have an upper age limit in the mid-50s, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discourages embryo transfer in women over the age of 55.
Dr. Brian Levine, a practice director at a New York City fertility clinic, expressed concerns about the risks associated with pregnancies in women over 50. He cited elevated rates of hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor in such cases, and emphasized the potential challenges for the children if their elderly parents faced serious health issues.
However, Dr. Sali defended his decision to proceed with Namukwaya’s treatment, asserting that it was her human right and that she was physically fit for the pregnancy.
In summary, Safina Namukwaya, a 70-year-old woman, has made headlines by giving birth to twins through IVF in Uganda. She and her husband have embraced their new roles as parents of twins with joy and gratitude, despite the controversy surrounding her age. Dr. Sali, her fertility specialist, stands by his decision to assist Namukwaya in her journey to motherhood, emphasizing her physical fitness and her right to make choices about her body.
