(12) Tova Saul , December 16, 2008

There are already 6 billion

If this couple never had a baby before, then fine. If they already have 2, then why bring more people into a world whose natural resources are already being hogged by the human population, crowding out and bringing to extinction the rest of Hashem's masterpieces of creation? Do we want a deadened world for our children and grandchildren? Because that what we'll soon have, if the human race doesn't find things to occupy itself other than having more than 2 kids per family.

(11) susie , December 16, 2008

i'm 47 i pray and hope i will have a child, i have always wanted children just knowing this i know their is hope for me.

(10) Amy , December 16, 2008

Sorry, I disagree

I think it is the height of selfishness and irresponsibility for these people to become parents in their seventies. Simply because something is scientifically possible does not mean it should be done. In my opinion, what the doctor did here is totally unethical.

(9) Channie Stein , December 16, 2008

To Anonymous - Only G-d knows.

This is for Anonymous,who was born to a 57 year old father who died when the writer was fourteen. You say you and your brother felt tremendous loss at the death of your father. You even say your children "suffer" from having no grandparents. You NEVER say you wish you had not been born. Through all this, you have succeeded in growing into responsible adulthood and raising a family of your own. And from yet another perspective, how many young people have children, are diagnosed shortly thereafter with a fatal illness and die leaving young children? How many young parents are hit by cars, or die through terrorist acts? ALL life and all death is in the hands of the Almighty, and no one can know the length of his days. Let us rejoice at each new life as we mourn at each death.

(8) Rebecca , December 16, 2008

Mazel Tov for all of us

What a blessing for us all! Let us not forget, we may live to 120, baruch Hashem, and may this woman's blessing be a blessing for all of us- I have an incurable cancer and my fiance has been incarcerated for the next 5 1/2 years, one of my treatments seemed to take away my fertility, but recently, with thanks to G-d, it has seemingly returned, and I am alive 2 years beyond my diagnosis. I'm living with financial problems, including impending homelessness, and yet, every day I am glad for each moment and know that if it G-d's plan for me to be here then I WILL be, and if I am to be called by him then that will happen as well. I would do just as this woman, if I could. We are meant to do what G-d calls us for, and not what others find comfortable.

(7) Annie , December 16, 2008

who cares?! it is good and beautiful!

are we already forgetting that a young mother's life has been taken in Mumbai and there are 2 orphans? she was so young but died! and so many other orphans?? are we going to play Judge-Almighty over someone allowed to expend the tremendous love, compassion, joy, dedication, commitment, etc. because she has a baby at 70? or are we remorse ridden that we have to step up to the plate and pitch in!!?? Imagine the day when EVERYONE will pitch in, without whinning

(6) Anonymous , December 14, 2008

Why?

My father was 57 years old when I was born and he only lived until I was 14 years old and my younger brother was 11. The loss was tremendous for my brother and me. And now my daughter suffers (unknowingly) without a grandfather. A 70 year old mother cannot reasonably expect to raise her child into adulthood given current life expectancies. What is the minimum we owe our children? Is life enough?

(5) SusanE , December 14, 2008

It's a Baby...Celebrate!!

In vitro is questionable at 70....if it is her egg then it is her baby and she has the final say about reproducing. If it is another womans egg then questions arise.---- or, if the 70 year old woman has other children in their 40's and 50's then they can help raise their sibling. Many young Mothers die with small children so I don't see age as a factor. ----- I think 5 years of good Mothering can be as good for a child as 20 years of poor Mothering. So, who knows? It's a beautiful child brought in to the world to what end we can't see. Everything has a reason. The baby should be celebrated.

(4) suzy , December 14, 2008

Eric, I heard the average life span is 81. From what I've seen, I think it's probably between 75 and 90. Anyway, it's deffinately much harder to take care of a child when in the senior years. And people don't know how long they are going to live. But if they want it and are willing to take care of it, good for them. I agree about never loosing hope.

(3) ross , December 14, 2008

Just one generation off

It happened. It's done. Instead of debating, their community should just help the kid deal positively with having 70, 80, 90-year-old parents. Still, it's better than having a single mother who is just 13 years older than the kid. That's much more prevalent.

(2) Rosen , December 14, 2008

elderly births

I read on another Jewish website that if your daughter says that G-d made her pregnant and will have a virgin birth in this day and age, you must immediately take her for psychological evaluation.

As for the elderly birth, it is quite an astonishing miracle about the endurance of the human body almost regardless of age. Many people do start to have children as late as their 50''s and older.

(1) Eric D. , December 14, 2008

Not fantastic at all

Rabbi Salomon, I strongly disagree with you. Judaism advises us not to rely on miracles. If I'm not mistaken, the average life span for human beings is 75 years old. It is extremely irresponsible to bring a child into the world when one is clearly approaching the end-of-life stage. Put yourself in the position of the child: would you want a 70-year-old mother? The child has a very strong chance of being orphaned at a very young age. I do not think this is fair to the child. One of the problems with science is its primary focus is "what can we achieve?" and not "what is ethical?" Maybe there is a reason that the One does not allow humans to naturally reproduce after a certain age....