They say love knows no boundaries, and that is a sentiment embraced by a remarkable couple from Rajasthan, India. Gopichand, 75, and his wife Chandravati, 70, recently became parents, marking a momentous event in their 54-year marriage and making them one of the earliest human couples to experience the joy of parenthood at such an age.
Their journey began in Rajasthan, where Gopichand and Chandravati, after decades of trying and multiple visits to various hospitals and clinics, had almost given up hope of conceiving. It was only about a year and a half ago that Gopichand decided to explore the possibilities offered by in vitro fertilization (I.V.F) in Alwar, a lifeline that raised hopes of finally fulfilling their dream of becoming parents.
Chandravati’s advanced age posed a challenge, yet there were stories of hope, like that of Jivuben Valabhai Rabari, a 70-year-old woman from rural Gujarat, who made headlines after successfully giving birth following I.V.F procedures. With this glimmer of hope, Chandravati began I.V.F treatment.
Nine months ago, after three I.V.F attempts, Chandravati conceived. The news brought immense joy, but her advanced age did cause some concern. However, on a memorable day, Chandravati gave birth to a healthy baby boy, making the couple’s lifelong dream come true.
Gopichand, a proud father, couldn’t contain his happiness at finally holding his son in his arms. He expressed his joy in passing on the family name, being the only son of his father. The couple had been trying to have a baby since 1968, a journey that spanned more than 54 years.
Dr. Pankaj Gupta, an I.V.F expert, remarked that cases of childbirth at such an age are extremely rare. This may well be the first such case in Rajasthan, where a 75-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman have become parents.
Interestingly, Gopichand and Chandravati Devi could be among the last Indian couples to become parents through I.V.F due to a new law that came into effect in July, prohibiting infertility centers from providing treatment to individuals older than 50. The couple was fortunate to conceive before the law’s implementation.
The record for the oldest woman to give birth belongs to India as well, with Mangayamma setting this milestone in 2019 at the age of 74, delivering two healthy twin girls after an I.V.F procedure.
