Since the beginning of our existence as a species, being a mother has been an exceptional and immensely valuable role.
Motherhood is one of those life-changing experiences – sometimes it comes unexpectedly, other times after years of patient waiting.
Regardless of the circumstances, we can all agree that it is always a blessing.
Usually, we cannot predict when we will become parents.
We can do everything we can to increase our chances if we want to, but life is unpredictable – and always has been, and always will be.
Some women become mothers very young, still in their teens. Others are able to get pregnant only later in life.
Unfortunately, there are also women who, for various reasons, will never be able to have children.
Of course – there is no one right path. Every child deserves to be celebrated for the amazing journey they take to be born, just as every mother deserves respect for her role.
### María del Carmen Bousada de Lara – the world’s oldest mother
María del Carmen Bousada de Lara was the world’s oldest mother at the time of her children’s birth.
Some women, like María del Carmen from Cadiz, Spain, have been criticized and mocked for their decisions about when and how to become mothers.
In 2006, María’s family was shocked to learn that she was expecting twins – she was 66 at the time.
At the age of 66 years and 358 days, María set the record for the oldest woman to give birth.
María – a retired saleswoman – reportedly sold her house to finance in vitro fertilization treatment, which allowed her to become pregnant despite her advanced age.
She reportedly gave a false age (55) in order to be accepted into a clinic in California.
However, she never gave in to social pressure – she firmly believed that every woman should be able to decide for herself when to become a mother.
Cancer diagnosis
“Sometimes life puts you against the wall, and maybe things shouldn’t have happened this way, but it was the only way to make my dream come true,” she said in an interview with *The Guardian*.
However, not everyone accepted her choice.
The harshest criticism came from her own family, who accused her of selfishness.
María admitted that she had kept her pregnancy a secret for a while – when she finally revealed it to her loved ones, they thought she was joking.
In 2006, she gave birth to two healthy children – Christian and Pau – becoming the world’s oldest mother.
Unfortunately, she was unable to raise them into adulthood. Just six months after giving birth, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
She said, “I didn’t tell them because they’re still kids. It’s too serious for them to understand.”
María’s family had to step in to help raise the twins. She died in 2009, after spending only a few years with her children.
“I think she did it too late,” said her brother Ricardo, “but now they are here. We love these wonderful boys.”
Pilar Pinto, a resident of Cádiz, María’s hometown, also spoke about the twins. “They are doing very well and are well cared for. I see them often in the city.”
She added, “God did not allow her to enjoy motherhood for long. He should have given her more time.”
Until the end, María was convinced that her choice to become a mother at a later age was the right one.
It is truly a touching story. Whether you agree with it or not, every woman should have the right to decide when to become a mother.