A 70-year-old woman from Gujarat’s Kutch district has reportedly given birth to her first child after undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF), according to multiple regional media reports.
The case, described by doctors as highly unusual due to the woman’s advanced age, has drawn nationwide attention and renewed discussion around the medical risks and legal limits associated with fertility treatment in India.
The woman, identified in reports as Jivunben (Jivuben Valabhai) Rabari, is said to have been married for nearly 45 years without children. She reportedly delivered the baby by caesarean section at a private IVF centre in Bhuj, with both mother and newborn stated to be in stable health following the delivery.
What Has Been Reported So Far:
According to media accounts:
- The pregnancy was achieved through IVF after extensive medical preparation.
- Doctors reportedly regulated the woman’s menstrual cycle and prepared the uterus before transferring an embryo.
- Early sonography confirmed fetal development, and doctors monitored the pregnancy closely.
- A planned caesarean section was performed considering age-related risks.
Some reports also note that formal documentation verifying the woman’s exact age was not publicly available, and the age mentioned was based on statements provided to doctors.
Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Freeze Eggs in India?
Medical Perspective: IVF and Advanced Maternal Age
While IVF has enabled conception in cases where natural pregnancy is not possible, medical experts consistently note that pregnancy risks increase significantly with maternal age, especially beyond 45–50 years.
Maternal Health Risks:
| Medical Condition | General Pregnancy Risk | Women Above 45 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Gestational hypertension / pre-eclampsia | 5–8% | 20–35% |
| Gestational diabetes | 6–9% | 15–25% |
| Cesarean delivery | 25–30% | 60–80% |
| Placental complications | 1–2% | 5–10% |
| Post-partum hemorrhage | 2–4% | 8–12% |
Doctors emphasize that even when donor eggs are used, the physical demands of pregnancy on the uterus, heart, and vascular system remain substantial at advanced ages.
Also Read: Early Symptoms After Embryo Transfer
Risks to the Newborn:
Advanced maternal age pregnancies, particularly those conceived through IVF, are classified as high-risk due to potential neonatal complications.
| Neonatal Outcome | Average Risk | Advanced Maternal Age |
|---|---|---|
| Preterm birth | 8–10% | 20–30% |
| Low birth weight | 7–9% | 15–25% |
| NICU admission | 10–12% | 25–35% |
| Delivery before 34 weeks | 2–3% | 8–12% |
Healthcare professionals state that intensive prenatal monitoring and planned delivery are often necessary to manage these risks.
Must Read: Free IVF Treatment in India
What Indian Law Says: ART Act, 2021
India’s fertility treatment landscape is governed by the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, which came into force to regulate IVF clinics and ensure ethical medical practices.
Age Limits Under the ART Act
| Category | Permitted Age |
|---|---|
| Woman seeking IVF | Up to 50 years |
| Man seeking IVF | Up to 55 years |
| Female egg donor | 23–35 years |
| Male sperm donor | 21–55 years |
The law was framed in consultation with medical experts and lawmakers, citing health risks, maternal safety, and child welfare as key considerations.
Also Read: Best Foods to Increase Fertility in Females
Legal Developments and Court Observations:
Since the Act’s implementation, multiple petitions have been filed in Indian courts seeking relaxation of age limits. While some interim permissions have been granted in individual cases, courts have largely upheld the intent of the law.
Judicial observations have repeatedly highlighted:
- Elevated medical risks associated with pregnancy beyond 50 years
- The importance of long-term child welfare
- ART as a regulated medical service rather than an unrestricted entitlement
At present, no general exemption exists allowing IVF beyond the statutory age limits.
Also Read: How Many Injections are Needed for IVF Treatment?
How the Gujarat Case Fits Into the Framework:
Publicly available reports do not clarify whether the IVF procedure in this case occurred before or after the ART Act came into effect, nor whether any special legal or regulatory approval was obtained.
Medical experts caution that such rare cases should not be interpreted as precedent for IVF eligibility under Indian law.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and news-reporting purposes only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. Readers should consult qualified healthcare professionals and legal experts for guidance related to fertility treatment.
FAQs:
She is identified in media reports as Jivunben (Jivuben Valabhai) Rabari from Kutch district.
The treatment was reportedly carried out at a private IVF centre in Bhuj, Gujarat.
The baby was delivered through a planned caesarean section.
Yes, IVF can enable pregnancy if the uterus is medically prepared, often using donor eggs.
Common risks include high blood pressure, diabetes, cesarean delivery, and preterm birth.
The ART Act, 2021 regulates IVF and assisted reproductive technology services in India.
No public information confirms any special legal or regulatory approval.
Medical experts advise individual evaluation and caution due to high health risks.