Older mothers

[modge]

Should women over 50 be allowed to have babies?

[horseman]

Why not? They are capable, taking such a decision at that age means that they have thought about it in depth, probably have the financial circumstances to care well for the child, they have as much love as anyone else and a hell of a lot of experience. Fifty is not old - wait until you are close and see how you feel - and what children need is love and stability. As for the possibility that the parent may die when the child is in early adulthood - do we ban smokers from having children?

[PDTV]

The menopause should be a natural cut-off - it happens for a reason. In my experience, older mothers don't have the energy to look after young children, and it's not fair to lumber a teenager with an ageing parent.

[Cynthia Dyke]

Of course NOT. We should not even be allowed out unless accompanied by minders. And, God forfend, what would happen if we ever allowed to drive - I'm afraid just not worth thinking about.

[modge]

It's ridiculous to equate having babies with driving or 'being allowed out'. Having a baby is a serious commitment, and having a parent die is a devastating thing for a child or teenager. Obviously, some mothers will die before their children are adults, but the odds are less when they have their children when they are within the natural limits for child-bearing.