Since 1973, the RCOG has regularly convened Study Groups to address important topics in our specialty and recently, a group of experts was brought together to discuss ageing and reproductive ageing. Susan Bewley, convenor of this Study Group, says “Obstetricians and gynaecologists are witnesses to the impact of reproductive ageing and to some of the fears, misinformation and misapprehensions that the general public have. One purpose of this Study Group was to raise awareness of the societal trends and implications.”
Practitioners, academics and informed lay contributors from around the world were brought together to look at the current situation and available evidence. The group found that reproductive ageing has effects on individual and public health, now and in generations to come. It is experienced differently by different cultures, by the voluntarily and involuntarily childless and by those responsible for organising health services. Although women are healthier than ever, biology can still determine destiny and the decline in fertility and rise in complications with age remain. Scientists can understand but cannot yet control or reverse the processes of ageing, even as they contribute to the means of alleviating the suffering that it may bring.
The talks and discussions have been gathered into a newly published book, which includes a diverse but timely and stimulating set of contributions to inform any interested healthcare and research workers and the general public. The book is now available for sale from the RCOG Bookshop. The consensus views of the group are available online.
Podcast
Dr. Mandish Dhanjal (Imperial College London), Dr. Anna Kenyon (UCLH) and Dr. Alastair Sutcliffe (UCLH) discuss a range of issues related to maternal age. Listen to their views here.
RCOG Statement on later maternal age
The RCOG has published a statement on later maternal age.
