Is there an age limit for a woman to become a surrogate mother?

by Reggie DesRosiers
(Cornwall, Ontario, Canada)

I am 61 years old and have menapaused. My daughter-in-law can't seem to carry a baby to term because of medical reasons. I'm wondering if I could be a surrogate mother for my grand-child using her egg and my son sperms. Has this ever been done? What are the health risk to me?

Reply by Rayven
If you were looking to become a surrogate mother for a stranger, you would not be considered due to your age. For your son and daughter-in-law, however, it's a matter of finding the IVF clinic that will take you.

It is not unheard of for a post-menopausal mother to give birth to her grandchildren via surrogacy. In 2008, a 61 year old grandmother in Japan gave birth to her grandchild, becoming the oldest woman in Japan to give birth. That same year a 56 year old grandmother gave birth to her daughter's triplets. It does happen.

The risks to you would be much greater than those a younger, healthier surrogate mother would face, simply because of your age. Talk with your OB/GYN about pregnancy risks in older mothers. Since he knows your health history he will be better able to determine your personal risks.

If this is something that may be worth pursing, my suggestion is to act fast. The older you get, the more difficult it will be for you to do it.

Best wishes!