70-Year-Old Ugandan Woman Gives Birth to Twins

One Ugandan woman’s birth story has gone viral after welcoming twins at age 70.

Safina Namukwaya visited the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Center in Kampala, Uganda, earlier this year with hopes of completing her family. At 70 years old, she was an unlikely candidate for welcoming another child, but fertility specialist Edward Tamale Sali, MD, didn’t hesitate to treat her. “It’s her human right. It’s her body,” he told Today. Noting that Namukwaya was “physically fit” and had a support system to help her along her journey.

To help with the conception of her children, Namukwaya turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF) using donor eggs and her partner’s sperm. “We implanted four embryos, and then of course, she conceived the twins,” Sali noted. The fertility specialist confirms that Namukwaya welcomed fraternal twins via c-section on November 29 at 31 weeks old. While both babies are currently in the neonatal intensive care unit, Sali notes that they are “doing just fine.”

Since welcoming her miracle babies, Namukwaya has faced plenty of support and hate. “Some might argue that 70 years is old, but God decided that I get to have twins at 70. There is no one that can put a limit on God’s authority and power," she said.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) states that embryo transfer is “discouraged in women over age 55,” as there are additional health risks that can’t be ignored. From an increased likelihood of gestational diabetes to blood clots, welcoming baby later in life can pose risks to both mom and baby.

For her part, Namukwaya notes that she “feels great” and will soon head back to her rural community where her 3-year-old daughter and village of support await. The hospital congratulated her, saying it is more than a “medical success; it’s about the strength and resilience of the human spirit,” per BBC.