Motherhood is a timeless and profound journey, one that has shaped humanity for generations. For some, it arrives unexpectedly, while for others, it is the result of years of longing and perseverance. No matter how it happens, one truth remains—motherhood is a gift.
Life doesn’t always align with our plans. Some women embrace motherhood in their teens, while others experience it later in life. Some struggle with fertility challenges that prevent them from carrying a child. But there is no single path to becoming a mother—every child is a blessing, and every mother’s journey is extraordinary.
However, not all women follow conventional paths to parenthood. Maria Carmen del Bousada, from Cadiz, Spain, defied societal norms when she chose to have children at an age when most had long left that possibility behind.
Maria, a retired store worker, was determined to experience motherhood, even if it meant making extreme sacrifices. She sold her house to afford IVF treatment and, knowing fertility clinics had strict age limits, falsely claimed she was 55. Her decision was rooted in the belief that every woman should have the freedom to decide when to start a family, regardless of societal expectations.
Her choice was met with backlash, particularly from her own family, who deemed her selfish. Aware of their disapproval, Maria initially concealed her pregnancy. But in 2006, at 66 years old, she defied expectations, giving birth to twin boys, Christian and Pau.
Despite criticism, Maria became the world’s oldest mother at the time, proving that the desire for motherhood knows no boundaries—and should never be dictated by the opinions of others.