Hot Topic (12/28): How old is too old to become a mother?

[Cafe GroupAdmin]

From TheGlobeandMail.com:   

In Canada, the age cut-off for fertility treatments is 50. But that didn't stop a 60-year-old Calgary woman from becoming the oldest Canadian ever to give birth. Ranjit Hayer received donor eggs in India and then had premature twins at Calgary's Foothills Hospital in February. Let's hope she lives longer than Maria del Carmen Bousada, the 69-year-old mother in Spain who died of cancer in July, just 2½ years after giving birth to twin boys.

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How old is too old to become a mother?

Is it irresponsible to become a mother after you reach a particular age?

What are your thoughts?

[allycally]

well I have to say menopause happens for a reason..no one knows when they will die so age related death really shouldnt play a factor in conception.So idont I think over 55 

[tericared]

People thought I was crazy for having my second child at the ripe old age of 38.....I think 60 is pretty old. but there are some very healthy fit 60 year old women out there... I think it would be kind of selfish if there is no one younger to raise the child if something would happen to Mom.... 

[Valerie42]

It's never too late for any woman to raise a child. Like if a woman wanted to adopt a child at 65... I say good for her. 

But in terms of giving birth... I really think the cut off age should be somewhere in the 40's. It's unhealthy and you're putting yourself and your child at risk. One of my husband's classmates had her last child at 44, luckily the baby was very healthy and everything went smoothly.

But I can't really judge because God has a plan for everyone and all that matters is that everyone is happy and healthy.

Valerie

[Randi02]

40, at the very latest.

[MylaRocknrolla]

 I would say over 40 is "too old" and only from a stand point of physically being able to take care of your children and being there long enough for everything they'll need up to whatever age.

 My SO's parents passed away 2 years ago within a month of each other and SO is only 38 (36 when they passed away). We are hoping to have children and we're getting married in the next couple of years. I'm really glad I got to know them before they passed away, but it breaks his heart they will not be here for any of his big stuff.

 The older a mother you are, the less chance your child has of getting a parent sharing in their major life experiences when they need you, like their kids having grandparents who will watch them and sneak them chocolate (for example)

[Susan0805]

My opinion is that adoption at this age is one thing but fertility treatments to produce pregnancy at this age is another... I personally am not a fan of IVF... but my feelings aside there are many risks to mom and baby at this age... (physical and emotional risks for both mom and baby)

[shebearncub]

For me personally it will be at age 43 to give birth but I am not going to judge anyone else.

[EireLass]

When the body can no longer produce naturally. 

[sapling1982]

Everyone's case is different, but I say women should keep pregnancy and birth for the early and mid years (read: when the whole business is not going to prove to be a giant health risk for herself and her baby).

And the death of a mother soon after she delivers is always so sad. 

[stormcris]

I agree.

Quoting EireLass:

When the body can no longer produce naturally.