Your Biological Clock

Posted by Joanna Karpasea-Jones May 18, 2008

The new research into growing human eggs in the lab is being touted as the answer for women who would rather delay parenthood to pursue a career.

Dr. Evelyn Telfer, who headed the research, suggested that young women would be wise to have a piece of ovarian tissue removed and frozen so that they have a back up fertility 'battery' in case they want to put off having children, and have them later.

I confess, I balked. This attitude could encourage women to think that they have forever, and if they get to the point where they're having to use frozen tissue, there is no guarantee it will work.

And even if it did, there must be a reason why your biological clock stops at around 45. What would it be like for the baby if his mother was 50, with health problems and couldn't play ball with him? What if she died when he wasn't fully grown and then he ended up in care?

To put off having children for a career is fine, as long as you don't wait too long. In my opinion, if you do, that's your own fault. To expect to grow your own eggs because you made the decision not to be pregnant when you actually could produce eggs, well, that seems irrational.

And why subject yourself to surgery which could harm you when you could just make love to a man you love and get pregnant that way. I know which I'd prefer.