If you have the mental and health capacity why not! I know many woman in their 50's who are raising their grandchildren ( more than one child) because their daughters didnt want the responsibility or are incapable, due to becoming addicts ect. My sister is 54 yrs and is raising her daughters 2 children, she died at child birth 1 yrs ago, a 3 and 1 year old. So then what is the difference? I have my son when I was 44 and he is 6 now. The older you are the more prepared and patient. I have 3 children 30, 13, and 6 and I am 51 and if the hubby was alive won't mind having another baby.....

I had my last child at nearly 42. I had a 19 and 21 year old at the time from my first marriage. I would not trade my baby for the world, as one of my children passed away 5 years ago. I think that for me being 49 now, I would prefer not to have another child, especially having been through all the stages beforehand, I am a better mother and in a better place in my life, but you get tired at this age, when I was younger I had plenty of energy, but not the patients for my other children. So there is for and againsts in every situation. Do I think 60 something is too old - for me it would be, but there are alot of women who make fantastic grandmothers, like the poster before me said - so there isn't much difference.

People need to quit playing God. If you get pregnant, naturally, then you were intended to have a child. If not, then don't blame mankind and God. It happened for a reason! If one has to use "technology", risking one's life and that of a child, shame on one's selfishness! If one doesn't think about the consequences the child will have to bear (who's your daddy? why is your mom so old? why can't you go....? What's wrong with your lungs? Why do you have a feeding tube? why are you on oxygen?......etc. etc.) then, again, shame on your selfishness!

When your over 40 it is an injustice to the child. You do not have the energy or patience to deal with a young child. Besides especially in the case of the 50 year old's when your child is 10 you are 60. When they are 20 you are 70 if you are still alive. Unless you are "in the know", how can you relate to the child? How can you know the latest trends, etc so you can protect the child? Its hard to parent effectively when your old and out of touch. A grandmother is different than a mother even if raising a child. You expect a grandmother to be somewhat clueless in regard to what the "kids" are doing. At the end of the day to each his own, but at some point when do you think about the child and the effects of either losing a parent to old age or being prematurely thrust into having to take care of an elderly parent?

Beside the health concerns on both sides- as the youngest of six in a very long spread - my concern for the child is how old their parent will be when they graduate from high school or have their first child - no matter how rich or powerful Mom is many of these children are embarrassed by an older parent and many like me have their first child without the benefit of living grandparents or even aunts and uncles. Having a baby at 50 seems wonderful to the mom- but will she be around for the teen or adult when they still need her or will she be depending on them?

You could not be more wrong. Age is NOT the determining factor for having a child after the age of 40. Energy and committment is determined by the individual. There are plenty of very energetic grandparents raising kids. Many parents in their 40s have WAY more patience than many 20 yr old people who are inexperienced at life. Maybe 50s and 60s are different, but come on, 40s ....no way. I have practiced geriatric medicine for 14 yrs. I have seen plenty of older parents. Many remain healthy and keep up with the young kids just fine. I think daily exposure to the older generations might change your mind too.

Sara, Abrahms wife, was told she would have a child, even though Sara was 70+ years old! If you are an above 55+ woman who insists on using marginally ethical technology to give birth, please have in place, or pray very hard for, a network of caring individuals to help with your new challenges. Even if you are strong, healthy and confident...it's just a good idea! Reason well about the truth you find hard to understand. Trust the still and quiet voice that tugs at your conscience.

a lot of ladies now have a younger partner, and there's is a lot worse than an an older mother!