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Woman who gave birth at 62 lied about age to be approved for artificial insemination

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PHOTO: CATERS/WWW.MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA.
PHOTO: CATERS/WWW.MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA.

A woman who gave birth at the age of 62 admitted to telling doctors she was 50 years old so they wouldn’t refuse to artificially inseminate her.

Lina Alvarez (now 64) from Galicia in Spain said she’d shaved more than 10 years off her life to get doctors to help her fall pregnant in 2016.

"The gynaecologists found out through the press but they couldn’t deny us the right to become parents,” said Lina.

“I was searching for 10 years for someone who’d make it possible for me to have more children and I didn’t find anyone until I lied about my age."

Lina also has a 29-year-old son, Exiquito, who suffers from cerebral palsy, and a 12-year-old son named Samuel, who was also born after artificial insemination.

Her youngest child, daughter Linita, has given her "the best two years of my life,” she says.

Lina sees herself as a spokesperson for older women who wish to become mothers.

"We’re pioneers. We’re going to cease to become news. Many women want to become mothers and they don’t let them,” she said.

Lina’s case has generated considerable controversy and she’s received harsh criticism for lying about her age, and for becoming a mother in her 60s.

There’ve even been calls to remove 2-year-old Linita from her care. The mom of three is also currently involved in a legal battle with the Spanish medical authorities over her oldest child’s condition, which she blames on a faulty procedure 29 years ago.

There are no legal limits on the age for artificial insemination in Spain although the Spanish Fertility Society recommends 50 to be the advisable limit.

Lina points out her daughter is a happy, healthy child who’s receiving all the love and care she needs.

Lina continues to combine childcare in the mornings with her own role at an insemination clinic in the afternoons.

She also advises and offers encouragement to women like her who don’t see age as an impediment to motherhood.

Source: Magazine Features

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