Maria Said:

Woman who conceive in their late 40's - Is the increased risk justifiable?

We Answered:

There are many factors that present risk to a pregnancy, not just advanced maternal age. It is simply impossible to have a risk-free pregnancy. To focus on this one risk factor and act as if women who are aware of risks shouldn't get pregnant because of the potential risks is not appropriate.

So, having said that, it is up to each individual woman to decide how much risk is too much risk. Why does it have to be a moral issue? Some women don't have a choice and deal with infertility and it simply takes them many years to get pregnant, it isn't a deliberate choice to postpone motherhood. And those who do postpone motherhood, they are morally in the right by making sure they aren't hurrying into having a child they might not want yet or be ready for or financially prepared to raise.

Additionally, when speaking about children with genetic conditions like Downs, etc., you are insinuating that a child is somehow damaged by the parent's lack of regard for the risk. Children with genetic conditions or other illnesses or disabilities have rich, full, and happy lives. They are loved by their parents and families. I am willing to bet if you asked these parents if they had known the outcome before getting pregnant, many would still say they would do it all over again.