A 70-year-old woman in Uganda has made headlines around the world after giving birth to twins through fertility treatment, making her one of the oldest mothers globally. Safina Namukwaya welcomed a baby boy and a baby girl on November 29, with the delivery taking place via cesarean section at the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Center in Kampala, Uganda.

Namukwaya’s remarkable journey to motherhood involved in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment at the fertility center. Given her age, the procedure utilized donor eggs and her partner’s sperm. The twins were born prematurely at 31 weeks, with each weighing over 3 pounds, according to Dr. Edward Tamale Sali, Namukwaya’s fertility specialist.

Despite her age, Namukwaya is reported to be in good health and spirits, with Arthur Matsiko, a spokesman for the fertility center, confirming that she can walk and talk around the hospital. In fact, the hospital believes that Namukwaya may hold the title of Africa’s oldest mother.

This isn’t Namukwaya’s first experience with IVF and motherhood. In 2020, she also gave birth to a daughter at the same facility, making her a mother for the second time in her 70s. These successful pregnancies have defied conventional expectations, as menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the end of a woman’s natural ability to bear children.

Namukwaya’s decision to undergo fertility treatment in her later years stemmed from her desire to have children after facing societal pressure and criticism for being childless. She shared her motivation, stating, “I looked after people’s children and saw them grow up and leave me alone. I wondered who would take care of me when I grow old.” Fortunately, she has a robust support system in her rural village to help her care for her children.

While Namukwaya’s story is remarkable, it also raises important questions about the ethics and risks associated with advanced maternal age and fertility treatments. Dr. Brian Levine, a practice director at a fertility clinic in New York City, expressed concerns about the health risks involved in late-life pregnancies. Women over the age of 50 who give birth are at an increased risk of developing conditions such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, and experiencing preterm labor. Additionally, the potential health issues of older parents could pose challenges for the upbringing of their children.

In terms of global context, Namukwaya’s case is not the first of its kind. In 2019, a 74-year-old woman in Southern India possibly became the oldest woman to give birth to twins through IVF. However, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discourages embryo transfer in women over the age of 55 in the United States.

Despite the concerns and controversies surrounding late-life pregnancies, Namukwaya remains steadfast in her belief that her pregnancy was a gift from God. She expressed her gratitude, emphasizing that age should not limit the power and authority of a higher force.

In conclusion, Safina Namukwaya’s remarkable journey to becoming a mother at the age of 70 through IVF has captured global attention. Her story sheds light on the evolving landscape of fertility treatments, challenges conventional expectations about motherhood, and sparks discussions about the ethical and health considerations of late-life pregnancies. Namukwaya’s determination and the support of her community have led her to embrace motherhood in her later years, defying societal norms and inspiring awe around the world.