Motherhood is a life-changing journey, but for Maria del Carmen Bousada, it came at an unexpected time—66 years old. In 2006, she made headlines as the world’s oldest mother after giving birth to twin boys, Christian and Pau.

Maria, a retired store worker from Spain, sold her home to fund IVF treatment in California, allegedly claiming she was 55 to qualify. She believed motherhood was a personal choice, despite facing harsh criticism, even from her own family.

Tragically, just six months later, Maria was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She passed away in 2009, leaving her young sons in the care of relatives. Her brother, Ricardo, admitted, “She did this too late in life… but we love these beautiful boys.”