A 62-year-old woman in northeastern China has captured widespread attention after becoming pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF), months after the death of her only child. Now six months into her pregnancy, she has described the baby as a spiritual return of her deceased son, a claim that has sparked heated discussions across social media.
The woman, from Songyuan in Jilin province, is being closely followed online through videos shared by her younger sister, who documents her prenatal check-ups and daily life. This is only the second pregnancy of her life. Details surrounding the death of her son earlier in 2025 remain unclear, including his age or the cause of death.
In clips posted online, the expectant mother appears relaxed, describing her baby's movements and noting that the baby becomes more active whenever she eats sweet foods. She also speculated that the baby might be a boy, in line with traditional beliefs, although Chinese law prohibits doctors from revealing fetal gender due to concerns over sex-selective abortions.
Medical experts have warned that pregnancy at such an advanced age carries serious health risks. Chen Min, a senior obstetrician at Harbin No. 1 Hospital, noted that older mothers face a significantly higher likelihood of complications and are typically limited to cesarean delivery, which itself carries substantial risk. Doctors advise comprehensive medical assessments before conception and delivery in hospitals equipped to handle emergencies.
Public reaction in China has been deeply divided. Some critics have questioned whether the woman has the energy to care for a child and expressed concerns about the child's future should the parents pass away. Others have expressed sympathy, emphasizing the emotional and psychological need for hope after losing a child. "A person needs an emotional anchor and spiritual support to live on," one supporter commented online.
The woman's sister, who shares the videos online under the alias "Xiao Wei," defended her sibling's decision, saying, "No one understands my sister's insistence. No one understands the pain from losing her only child."
The case has reignited debates in China over reproductive ethics, the risks of late-age pregnancies, and the emotional challenges of bereavement, highlighting the complex balance between personal desire, societal norms, and medical guidance.
Source:https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3338259/china-woman-62-gets-pregnant-through-ivf-after-death-only-child-sparking-controversy
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