Adriana Iliescu: The 66-Year-Old Who Defied Age to Become a Mother
When news spread that a woman had given birth at 66, the world reacted with a mix of astonishment, skepticism, and moral questioning. Could a woman so far past the typical childbearing years safely carry a pregnancy? Would her child’s future be compromised? Adriana Iliescu’s story pushed the boundaries of what society considers possible—and acceptable.
In 2005, Adriana Iliescu made history by welcoming her daughter, Eliza Maria, via C-section. Conceived through IVF and supported by hormone therapy, the pregnancy was a medical milestone.
Eliza arrived six weeks early, weighing just 1.4 kilograms. Tragically, Adriana had initially conceived twins, but one fetus did not survive past nine weeks due to heart complications. Her medical team decided a C-section was the safest option, ultimately bringing both mother and child through the ordeal successfully.
Yet the birth ignited global debate. Critics warned of the serious health risks of pregnancy at such an advanced age. Richard Kennedy of the British Fertility Society called the decision “completely irresponsible,” while the Romanian Orthodox Church labeled it “selfish,” questioning whether a woman old enough to be a great-grandmother could raise a child into adulthood. Despite the controversy, Romania had no legal age restrictions on fertility treatments, leaving the decision in the hands of medical professionals.
Adriana remained resolute. “Nobody can predict the future,” she said. “I am a normal woman, like any woman who has a child.” Motherhood had been a lifelong dream. After a failed fertility attempt at 57 and years dedicated to her career as a university professor and children’s author, Iliescu finally had access to advanced fertility treatments in Romania that made her dream possible.
A Mother with the Spirit of Youth
Adriana often described herself as young at heart. “When it comes to energy, I still feel like I’m 27—and if I’m tired, maybe 37,” she joked in 2010. She remained in robust health, confident she could provide for her daughter despite her age. Speaking about Eliza, she said, “She is lively, happy, and everything to me. Nothing else matters.” Her doctor, Bogdan Marinescu, confirmed that both mother and child were healthy, and Eliza quickly caught up in growth after her premature arrival.
As Eliza grows, she continues to thrive academically and socially. Though younger than her classmates, she shows remarkable intelligence and independence. She is aware of her extraordinary birth story and the unique circumstances surrounding it, including never knowing her biological father.
Beyond the Headlines
Iliescu’s journey wasn’t about setting records—though she briefly held the title of oldest mother. In 2006, Carmela Bousada of Spain gave birth to twins at 66, surpassing Iliescu’s record by just over three months. Bousada had traveled to the U.S. for fertility treatments after Spain’s age restrictions barred her from receiving care.
For Adriana, the story has always been about more than age or records. “Everyone has a mission in life. Perhaps this was mine,” she reflected. Despite criticism, she has embraced her role as a mother with unwavering devotion, seeing her daughter as a gift and a fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
Conclusion
Adriana Iliescu’s story challenges society’s assumptions about motherhood, age, and family. While the world debated the ethics of her decision, she proved that love, resilience, and dedication define a parent more than biology or societal norms. What began as controversy has become a testament to the extraordinary lengths one woman went to fulfill her dream of motherhood—and a reminder that every child’s arrival is a unique and precious gift.