In a remarkable feat, a 70-year-old woman from Uganda has given birth to twins. Safina Namukwaya shared her joy after the twins were born on Wednesday at a medical facility in Kampala, where she had undergone fertility treatment.
Image VIA Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre
According to Dr. Edward Tamale Sali, a fertility specialist at the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre, the mother utilized a donor egg and her partner’s sperm for the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. “This is an extraordinary achievement, delivering twins to Africa’s oldest mother at 70 years,” Sali stated.
He noted age was just a number and that before moving forward with fertility treatments they test the cardiovascular system, liver, and kidney function. Additionally, they do physical tests to ensure fitness for the pregnancy.
Born prematurely at 31 weeks weighing just 3.75lbs each, the babies are currently in incubators, receiving special care.
Image VIA Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre
The Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre, founded by Dr. Sali, highlighted this historic event by posting a video interview with the mother on their Facebook page.
Namukwaya, who resides in the rural area of Masaka, expressed her immense joy and disbelief at the situation.
In an interview before she delivered the babies she said that during her life, she cared for other people’s children and watched them grow and leave. She always wondered who would care for her when she was old and frail.
She mentioned that despite being considered weak and unable to conceive or care for a baby at her age, she is now blessed with these twins. She believes every child comes with their own blessings and will wait to see what the future brings for her.
However, Namukwaya expressed her disappointment that her partner has not visited her since she came to the hospital. She speculated that men may fear the responsibilities associated with multiple children in the womb.
This incredible birth follows a similar case in 2019 when a 73-year-old Indian woman gave birth to twins through IVF treatment.
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