Grandma's Gift of Life

By drodriguez Feb 16, 2011

With all of the advances in modern fertility treatments these days we are hearing a lot more stories that may shock some of us or even make us a little uneasy. The story of Kristine Casey has definitely raised eyebrows around the world this week. Casey, 61, recently gave birth via c-section to Finnean Lee Connell.

Carrying a baby over the age of 60 is becoming less rare in recent years with the ability doctors now have to inject hormones into a woman’s uterus rendering it both youthful and fertile.  Casey being a pregnant senior citizen is not the most surprising or notable part of this story.  What is making headlines is that Kristine Casey gave birth to her own grandchild.

A recent article from CNN reports that Casey volunteered to be the surrogate for her daughter Sara and Sara’s husband Bill Connell after the couple suffered through the experience of miscarriage and stillborn twins. Sara’s egg and Bill’s sperm were used to create Finnean Lee Connell, which means they are the biological parents of the baby that Kristine Casey carried to term and delivered.

Carrying a baby doesn’t come without risks for postmenopausal women.  Many fertility clinics place the cut-off for treatments at the age of 55, but Casey was able to find one that would treat a 61-year-old. There are a long list of possible complications that can occur and Casey actually did face some kidney related issues after the birth. Fortunately for Casey, her complications were quickly resolved and she ended up having an overall healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Though some find the thought of a grandmother giving birth to her own grandchild to be strange, others think it to be one of the most generous self-sacrificing gifts a mother could give to her child.

What do you think of what Kristine Casey was able to do for her daughter and son-in-law?

Do you think the end result of delivering a healthy baby was worth the risks Casey faced carrying a baby at the age of 61?

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Comments

by imani66 | SPRINGFIELD, MA

Mar 07, 2011

I think it is absolutely great, I would do the same thing for my child.

by girl17 | EAGAN, MN

Feb 18, 2011

I think this just shows what a mother will go through for her child. She put her health at risk for the happiness of her son and daughter, and helped create an amazing gift of life.

by mrandle | Roseville, MN

Feb 17, 2011

I think it was the best gift a grandma could give her grandchild (life). I would do it in a minute. I have always thought about being a surrogate. I love life.

by kellydan | Spring Hill, FL

Feb 17, 2011

I think it's an amazing gift. She wanted to pass on the gift of life to her daughter and I find that to be one of the best gifts of all.

by rgoynessurvey | El Campo, TX

Feb 17, 2011

I agree that it was definitely an act of love, but it seems to blur the lines a little bit. I know if I were in the couple's shoes, I wouldn't even consider my mother as a surrogate. But, a good story either way.

by MadHatter | Whitestone , NY

Feb 16, 2011

its really giving, but then she should be watching out for her health as well. for someone to be carrying and giving birth at that age? there has to be risks also involved. I would never EVER think of doing this though.

by corilynn | Santa Clara, CA

Feb 16, 2011

I think that it is a wonderful thing. I would definitely do this for one of my children any day, (as long as I was physically able to and healthy), especially if they were having fertility issues like this family experienced. Great act of love from a mother!

by msfriendly | MONROE, WI

Feb 16, 2011

Wow...I agree with the comment above. I think if this women was healthy going into this and discussed doing this with medical professionals, than why not!

by Von411 | El paso, TX

Feb 16, 2011

What a big act of LOVE for your child. I would do the same thing if I had to. You go Kristine...We as mothers will risk everything for our children. Unconditional Love...

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