Doctors criticised over IVF mother-to-be, 56

Doctors who gave a 56-year-old woman the chance to become Britain's oldest mother of twins have been criticised.

Lynne Bezant and her civil servant husband Derek, 55, are expecting twins this June after undergoing in vitro fertilisation treatment at a London clinic.

But Peter Bowen-Simpkins, of the Royal College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians is concerned about the welfare of a child born to such mature parents.

There is no official recognised upper age limit for assisted conception. However, according to regulations governing IVF, clinics are supposed to satisfy themselves that the welfare of the child is not at risk.

Mr Bowen-Simpkins said for this reason the vast majority of IVF units kept to an upper age limit of 50, even though it was technically possible to treat older women.

He said: "The welfare of the child is paramount, and elderly parents are not considered to be in the best interest of the child. Women of 56 are not generally as fit to look after children as 20-year-olds."

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, which regulates fertility clinics, said it imposed no upper age limit, but insisted on units carrying out a welfare of the child assessment. This looks at the ability of the parents to care for the child as well as the mother's medical history.

"If a case was brought to our attention where the welfare of the child assessment has not been carried out properly it would raise alarm bells and we would get in contact with the clinic," said an HFEA spokesman.

"However if the correct procedures have been followed the clinic has the final decision. Clinics are best placed to ask all the relevant questions and obtain the right answers."

The Bezants, from Oxfordshire, have three grown-up children but decided to try IVF treatment at the London Gynaecological Clinic in Harley Street after suffering two miscarriages and the birth of stillborn twins.