TLC ( the learning channel) being 70 & pregnant

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

I have mixed feelings on this. Of course age 70 certainly seems too old to be birthing a child (with deepest respect to all grandmothers, older aunties etc. who have stepped in to raise children of family members who couldn't/wouldn't care for their own.)

But I don't think we should put actual legal restrictions on who is and who isn't allowed to have children. I think the medical community can and should self-regulate on this - fertility doctors are already permitted to set their own policies about which patients they will accept - and this way is much better. Yes, there will always be some doctors who will take anyone for a price, but I think it would be a bad idea to enact laws regulating reproduction in terms of stipulating entire classes of people who can or who cannot have children.

Also, it's hard to determine an exact "cut-off" age for birthing babies - not every 45- or 50- or even 60-year-old woman will be physically unable to effectively handle the next 20 years of parenting. Some seniors have more energy than I do (my mother included.)

And what about 70-year-old men fathering children ?

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

It's one thing if the pregnancy happens naturally at an older age because, I believe, God knows best. In the case of IVF it's totally different.

Absolutely, NO ONE in this thread said that it's irresponsible for a grandparent to raise their grandchild. Hell, I know plenty of families that grandparents are the ones raising the children for whatever reason. Having a baby of your own at an older age via IVF and being a grandparent., really? How could you even compare the two!?! I wouldn't imagine there are many granparents out there thinking that "Oh, I can't wait to be the sole provider - emotional, mentally and physically for my grandbabies that my own child can't take care of for whatever reason."

So no, these issues wouldn't arise at an age because IVF is is a choice.

No, they said it is irresponible for a woman to birth a child at that age. Having children isn't just about birthing it's about raising that child thru it's age of development. So, what is the difference again in a woman giving birth and raising their own child veus raising their grandchildren at that age.

[Mithra 1,185]

No one said raising a child at that age is irresponsible. It's not ideal but no one said irresponsible.

The difference is there are so many medical risks involved in carrying and giving birth to a child when you're 50, 60, 70. The only risks involved in raising a child at that age is that maybe you don't have as much energy to keep up with the demands of the child. And your life expectancy, statistically, isn't as long.

No, they said it is irresponible for a woman to birth a child at that age. Having children isn't just about birthing it's about raising that child thru it's age of development. So, what is the difference again in a woman giving birth and raising their own child veus raising their grandchildren at that age.

Edited May 2, 2012 by Mithra

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

It's one thing if the pregnancy happens naturally at an older age because, I believe, God knows best. In the case of IVF it's totally different.

Absolutely, NO ONE in this thread said that it's irresponsible for a grandparent to raise their grandchild. Hell, I know plenty of families that grandparents are the ones raising the children for whatever reason. Having a baby of your own at an older age via IVF and being a grandparent., really? How could you even compare the two!?! I wouldn't imagine there are many granparents out there thinking that "Oh, I can't wait to be the sole provider - emotional, mentally and physically for my grandbabies that my own child can't take care of for whatever reason."

So no, these issues wouldn't arise at an age because IVF is is a choice.

Based on your argument it is irresponsible for any woman to have a child thru IVF, because it is a choice. How could you even state that a woman past a certain age doesn’t have the factuality or mentality to raise a child. This same statement can be made for any female from a child bearing age group of >15.

No one said raising a child at that age is irresponsible. It's not ideal but no one said irresponsible.

Okay, why is it NOT ideal?

[Peter_Pan 661]

I guess what really unsettles me is the fact that they aren't even carrying their child most of the time - they use egg donors. So why have a stranger's child when you can go adopt one and get rid of the pregnancy/birth parts?

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

I guess what really unsettles me is the fact that they aren't even carrying their child most of the time - they use egg donors. So why have a stranger's child when you can go adopt one and get rid of the pregnancy/birth parts?

So what brothers you about this? You don't like seeing an older woman pregnant?

[Peter_Pan 661]

Thanks! I know hubby is disappointed though every time we do the pregnancy test. I give up on showing him anymore.

That scares me; we have the same age, and in my family women hit menopause at 37. I am not trying to get pregnant (not even his ####### can cross the Atlantic and half of Europe), but I plan on conceiving in about one year. Hope all goes well for you, I did read that stress decreases fertility, so try to be chill about it. Good luck!

So what brothers you about this? You don't like seeing an older woman pregnant?

I've never seen one yet - yes, I guess that would look abnormal, but the main issue is that I don't see the logic in this desire to be pregnant/give birth when you could just as well adopt.

Edited May 2, 2012 by Peter_Pan

[Mithra 1,185]

It's not ideal because of the reasons I stated - lower energy level, more instances of health problems in older parents, lower life expectancy. Anyone can die or become ill at anytime but the chances are much, much greater for an older parent. Older meaning 60+.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

You'll are comparing your comments to maybe what has happen to your parents, but older health issues for woman have come a long way. Yes, an older woman can die but would you base your decision on doing what you want to do on the unknown factor.

Based on your ideal answers, an older woman shouldn't even get married at that age, nor should be be caring for her family. I have new for all of you'll who hasn't had your first child, an older woman would be able to do it better than you at an younger age. What they will have over the younger age is wisdom and experience. Raising children requires these 2 assets more than energy or good health.

Handicap woman have children.

[Mithra 1,185]

No offense but you're not making much sense. My parents are married and in their 60s and they do just fine being married ppl taking care of themselves, getting to appts, etc. but when it comes to taking care of children, it's not that easy. It's not even as easy as it was 15 yrs ago when my oldest was born. My parents aren't the only 60+ yr olds out there in the same situation. Being married and caring for yourself and a spouse is VASTLY different than caring for a child.

Anyhoo - I'm not the baby making police, I'm stating MY opinion. It's not something I would do. If others want to...HAVE AT IT.

You'll are comparing your comments to maybe what has happen to your parents, but older health issues for woman have come a long way. Yes, an older woman can die but would you base your decision on doing what you want to do on the unknown factor.

Based on your ideal answers, an older woman shouldn't even get married at that age, nor should be be caring for her family. I have new for all of you'll who hasn't had your first child, an older woman would be able to do it better than you at an younger age. What they will have over the younger age is wisdom and experience. Raising children requires these 2 assets more than energy or good health.

Handicap woman have children.

Edited May 2, 2012 by Mithra

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

No offense but you're not making much sense. My parents are married and in their 60s and they do just fine being married ppl taking care of themselves, getting to appts, etc. but when it comes to taking care of children, it's not that easy. It's not even as easy as it was 15 yrs ago when my oldest was born. My parents aren't the only 60+ yr olds out there in the same situation. Being married and caring for yourself and a spouse is VASTLY different than caring for a child.

Anyhoo - I'm not the baby making police, I'm stating MY opinion. It's not something I would do. If others want to...HAVE AT IT.

I am making sense, I am using your agrugments as comparsions. Yes, making babies should be a personal choice for a woman. It should not be society who tells a woman what she should be doing with her body. That is all I am trying to get you'll to see. For every reason you list, there is a woman of a child bearing age who has the same issues but they are able to have and raise their child success.

[Iyawo Ijebu 157]

Based on what most of you'll wrote here, you’ll feel that it is irresponsible for a grandparent to raise their grandchild if the natural parents are unable to do so. What is the difference between an older woman birthing a child and one who has been left with the responsibility of raising their grand children?

Let take out the medical and health reason that could complicate a pregnancy, these issues can arise not matter what age a woman is when conceiving.

There's a difference between dealing with an incident and creating one. But you knew that.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

There's a difference between dealing with an incident and creating one. But you knew that.

But why is it wrong for an older woman to make this kind of decision? No one has be able to answer this question, all everyone has said is they don't think it is right. But why is it wrong?

[Iyawo Ijebu 157]

But why is it wrong for an older woman to make this kind of decision? No one has be able to answer this question, all everyone has said is they don't think it is right. But why is it wrong?

It is not wrong or right, it's a pesonal choice.

The 10 year old offspring is so going to have all sorts of fun playing and learning ball from his/her 80 year old person. They are going to run all over the local park playing cricket, soccer, badmington, etc So very cool and nurturing.

[100% Al Ahly Fan 53]

Based on your argument it is irresponsible for any woman to have a child thru IVF, because it is a choice. How could you even state that a woman past a certain age doesn't have the factuality or mentality to raise a child. This same statement can be made for any female from a child bearing age group of >15.

Okay, why is it NOT ideal?

Did you even read what I wrote? Who said raising a child at an older age is irresponsible? And who said that women of a certain age don't have the factuality or mentality to raise a child? Not me. Perhaps you better read my comment again.

For families that are unable to conceive naturually, IVF is an amazing medical option to get pregnant, if it works. IMO, I think if a women (of bearing years) chooses to do this then more power to her.

And I do believe your question as already been answered. It's NOT IDEAL for reasons already stated in this thread. But since you don't read through the comments, I'll repeat -- Life expectancy, health concerns, and lower energy levels.

Frankly, we are all entitled to our opinions, which are solely that, our own opinions. So, if you, at 70 want to go and get knocked up...go ahead but when you end up on the international news, you best believe I'm going to talk about your #######.