Controversy as 60-year-old mother gives birth to two children in 28 months

Zhang, 60, gave birth to a baby girl weighing 2,8 kg via cesarean section on 17/9 at Zhumadian Central Hospital in Henan province.

Previously, in 5/2024, at the age of 58, she gave birth to a son named Guoguo, who weighed 3,15 kg. Both babies were full-term and delivered by Doctor Zhang Hualian, head of the Department of Pathological Obstetrics.

Zhang and her husband had one child who passed away in 2022.

Her decision to have more children, despite the age-related risks, highlights a significant social issue in China: "Shidu" syndrome, which affects older families who have lost their only child. The loss of their sole support leaves many elderly parents without care or reliance in their later years.

After Guoguo's birth, Zhang expressed a desire for another child, fearing her son would be lonely. "I want my two children to grow up together, so they can be friends and care for each other later in life", she said.

Her husband initially objected due to concerns about his wife's health, but Zhang remained determined. She stated that both she and her husband are retired, affording them ample time to care for their children. She also believes she will live a long life, similar to her parents (her father passed away at 100, and her mother, currently 94, remains healthy). "I believe I can live long enough to see my children through school and start their own families", she affirmed.

This situation has sparked two opposing viewpoints on Chinese social media. Supporters empathize with the couple's loss. Conversely, opponents worry that the two children will bear the heavy responsibility of caring for elderly parents as soon as they reach adulthood. Calculations show that when the baby girl turns 18, Zhang will be 78, and Guoguo will be 20.

The fact that Zhang underwent two cesarean sections at the ages of 58 and 60 has also raised concerns within the medical community. Doctor Wang Songfeng, head of Reproductive Medicine at Jinxin Xinan Women and Children's Hospital, stated that such cases of childbirth at this age are exceptionally rare.

According to Doctor Wang, the older the pregnant woman, the higher the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, which can lead to implantation failure, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Older pregnant women are also more susceptible to gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and premature birth. Although both of Zhang's births were successful, doctors do not recommend that the public follow suit.

For her part, Zhang confirmed that she and her husband carefully considered their ability to raise children before making their decision. "Now I have both a son and a daughter. My life is complete", she expressed.