How old was the oldest lady to have a baby?

The Oldest Known Mother in History

When it comes to motherhood, age has increasingly become less of a barrier thanks to advances in reproductive technology. The title of the oldest verified mother once belonged to Maria del Carmen Bousada de Lara, a Spanish woman who made headlines in 2006. At the remarkable age of 66 years and 358 days, she gave birth to twins—a feat made possible through IVF using donor eggs.

Her case stood out not only for her age but also for the ethical debates it sparked worldwide. Bousada was just 130 days older than Adriana Iliescu of Romania, who gave birth in 2005 at age 66 as well. Both women achieved pregnancy using donor eggs, a common approach for women whose own eggs are no longer viable due to age. These cases highlight how medical science continues to push the boundaries of human biology.

While such pregnancies are physically possible, they remain rare and controversial. Many fertility clinics set age limits—often around 50 or 52—for safety and ethical reasons. Carrying a baby into one’s sixties presents significant health risks, both during pregnancy and afterward. Questions also arise about the long-term ability to raise a child, especially considering life expectancy.

Still, Bousada’s story captured global attention, symbolizing both the triumphs and complexities of modern fertility. She passed away in 2009 at the age of 69, leaving her twins behind. Her legacy remains a poignant reminder of the emotional, medical, and ethical dimensions that come with extending the possibilities of motherhood.

Today, her record still stands as a testament to how far reproductive science has come—and how carefully its power must be balanced with responsibility.