70-Year-Old Ugandan Woman Delivers Twins in Historic IVF Birth

A 70-year-old Ugandan woman, Safina Namukwaya, has defied the odds and given birth to healthy twins via caesarean section at a fertility centre in Kampala. This remarkable feat marks Ms. Namukwaya as one of the oldest women ever to give birth, making it a medical marvel and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

The Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre (WHI&FC) announced the historic birth on Facebook, writing, “We’ve achieved the extraordinary – delivering twins to Africa’s oldest mother aged 70!” Both Ms. Namukwaya and the babies are reported to be in good health.

This news follows another remarkable case in 2019 where a 73-year-old Indian woman also gave birth to twins after undergoing IVF treatment. These examples showcase the advancements in medical technology and highlight the potential for women to conceive beyond their traditional childbearing years.

Ms. Namukwaya’s journey to motherhood has been challenging. In a recent interview with the Daily Monitor, she revealed that her partner abandoned her upon learning she was expecting twins. Despite this hardship, her determination to have children remained strong. She explained, “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.”

This is Ms. Namukwaya’s second childbirth experience in three years, having previously given birth to a baby girl in 2020. Her desire for children stemmed from the societal pressure and stigma she faced for being childless.

While the specific details of Ms. Namukwaya’s IVF treatment remain unclear, it is likely that she used either a donor egg or a frozen egg of her own. This case underscores the remarkable advancements in reproductive technologies, offering hope and possibilities for women who wish to conceive later in life.

The story of Ms. Namukwaya’s extraordinary birth serves as a powerful reminder that age should not be a barrier to achieving one’s dreams and aspirations. Her unwavering determination and the support of medical advancements have allowed her to experience the joys of motherhood, setting an inspiring example for others.