66-Year-Old Woman Becomes a Mother of Twins—Her Story Will Leave You Speechless
Motherhood is a journey unlike any other—one that can begin at unexpected moments and take many different paths.
While some women become mothers in their youth, others experience parenthood much later in life. One woman, however, defied all expectations, rewriting what many thought was possible.
In 2006, María del Carmen Bousada de Lara from Cádiz, Spain, made headlines worldwide when she gave birth to twin boys at the remarkable age of 66 years and 358 days.
At the time, she became the oldest recorded woman to give birth, a title that sparked both admiration and controversy.
A Bold Decision to Follow Her Dreams
María, a retired store worker, had long dreamt of becoming a mother. Determined to fulfill this wish, she reportedly sold her home to fund in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments at a fertility clinic in California.
#SabiasQue la mujer más vieja en dar a luz es Maria del Carmen Bousada (España) a los 66 años y 358 días. pic.twitter.com/zFVdlz8xLu
— Guinness World Records LatAm (@gwr_es) January 5, 2017
However, she allegedly told doctors she was 55 years old—the maximum age limit for the procedure—concealing her actual age.
Despite societal norms and family concerns, María stood firm in her belief that every woman should have the right to decide when to have children.
“Sometimes life puts you in tough situations, and maybe my choices weren’t the best, but it was the only way to reach my lifelong dream,” she told The Guardian.
A Joyful Yet Brief Motherhood
At 66, María welcomed two healthy twin boys, Christian and Pau, into the world. However, just six months later, she received heartbreaking news—she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Though she kept her illness private from her young children, María knew her time with them might be limited.
She focused on ensuring they were cared for, and after her passing in 2009, her family stepped in to raise the twins.
Her brother Ricardo reflected, “I think she did this too late in life… but now they are here. We love these beautiful boys.”
A neighbor, Pilar Pinto, also shared an update on the children: “They are being well taken care of and are in great shape. I see them often in town.”
A Legacy That Sparks Debate
María’s story continues to inspire discussions about motherhood, age, and reproductive choices.
Some believe she was courageous in following her dreams, while others argue the challenges of raising children at an advanced age are too great.
What do you think? Should there be an age limit for becoming a parent, or should everyone have the right to choose when to start a family?
Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this story along to spark the conversation. Rest in peace, María.
