Maria del Carmen Bousada de Lara was diagnosed with cancer within a year of the birth of her twins, Christian and Pau, on Dec 29, 2006. She died on Saturday, aged 69, at a hospital near her home in Cadiz.
The former shop worker, who was single, sparked great controversy over her decision to become a mother so late in life. Her own family called her "selfish and irresponsible" for rendering it so likely that her children would be orphaned.
She admitted lying about her age to doctors in order to receive fertility treatment at a private clinic in Los Angeles, for which she paid a reported £30,000. Shortly after the birth of her sons by caesarean section in Barcelona, Miss Bousada de Lara defended her decision.
"I have wanted to be a mother all my life, but I never had the opportunity, or met the right man," she said.
She claimed to be feeling healthier than ever and predicted that she would see her children live into adulthood and eventually become a grandmother herself.
"My mother lived to 101 years-old and I have every reason to believe longevity runs in my family," said Miss Bousada de Lara in early 2007.
Within months, however, she was diagnosed with cancer and told that the powerful drugs used during her fertility treatment may have helped the disease to spread. ...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/5833618/Spanish-woman-who-gave-birth-at-66-dies-leaving-orphaned-twins.html
