Contents
Introduction
Maria del Carmen Bousada de Lara, a Spanish woman who made headlines worldwide, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the world’s oldest mother at the age of 66. Her journey was both extraordinary and controversial, raising ethical questions about later-life motherhood. Let’s delve into her story and explore the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise.
Life and Decision
Maria del Carmen Bousada de Lara had worked as an employee in a department store before retiring. She had never married and spent most of her life living with her mother in Cadiz, Spain. Tragically, her mother passed away in 2005, prompting Bousada to make a life-altering decision. She decided to have children, despite her advanced age.
To fund the expensive IVF treatment, Bousada sold her house, equivalent to around £30,000. Her determination to become a mother led her to seek medical assistance, even if it meant bending the truth about her age.
The Birth of Twins
On either 29th or 30th December 2006, Maria del Carmen Bousada de Lara gave birth to twin baby boys, Christian and Pau, at the Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona. The premature babies were delivered by caesarean section and weighed 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) each. At the time, Bousada was the world’s oldest documented mother, surpassing the previous record set by Romanian mother Adriana Iliescu, who was also 66 years old.
Ethical Controversy
Bousada’s decision to become a mother at such an advanced age sparked intense debate. Critics labeled it as “selfish, unnatural, and wrong,” accusing her of prioritizing her own desires over the well-being of her children. Even her own brothers publicly criticized her choice. However, Bousada remained steadfast in her defense, asserting that she could live as long as her mother, who reached the age of 101.
Tragic End
Sadly, Maria del Carmen Bousada de Lara’s life took a heartbreaking turn. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and passed away on 11th July 2009, when her sons were just two and a half years old. After her death, her nephews (the sons of her brother) and their wives stepped in to care for Christian and Pau.
Conclusion
Bousada’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding reproductive choices, age, and the ethical dilemmas faced by older mothers. Her legacy continues to provoke discussions about the boundaries of science, personal desires, and the responsibilities that come with parenthood.
