In a groundbreaking medical milestone, a 70-year-old Ugandan woman, Safina Namukwaya, has given birth to twins, a boy and a girl, through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre, based in Kampala, Uganda, proudly announced this achievement on Thursday, asserting that Safina is now considered Africa’s oldest mother.
IVF Success and Medical Breakthrough
Safina Namukwaya’s journey to motherhood involved the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF), a technique aimed at assisting individuals facing fertility challenges. IVF entails the combination of sperm and eggs in a laboratory, with the resulting embryo then implanted into the uterus. The hospital emphasized that both the mother and the newborns are in good health, marking not only a medical success but also a testament to the indomitable strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Personal Sacrifices and Determination
Safina shared her challenging experience, highlighting that carrying twins at her age was no easy feat. She revealed that she had devoted a significant portion of her savings to undergo the IVF procedure, underscoring the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of her dream of becoming a mother. Despite facing personal challenges, including the departure of her partner, Safina expressed gratitude for the support provided by the doctor at the fertility clinic, who even assisted with her travel expenses.
Setting an African Record in Motherhood
The hospital proudly declared Safina Namukwaya as Africa’s oldest mother, setting a remarkable record on the continent. The significance of this achievement extends beyond the realm of medical success, symbolizing the triumph of determination and the human spirit over conventional limitations. Safina’s story resonates as an inspiration and testament to the possibilities that advancements in reproductive technology can offer individuals striving to experience parenthood later in life.
Global Trends and Changing Perspectives on Motherhood
While Safina’s case stands out in Africa, global perspectives on motherhood are evolving. The average age of women giving birth to their first child in the European Union has witnessed an upward trend, increasing from 28.8 years in 2013 to 29.4 in 2019. Safina’s journey contributes to the ongoing dialogue around changing societal norms and the expanding possibilities in assisted reproductive technologies, opening new doors for individuals seeking to embrace parenthood at later stages in life.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Businessday NG
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