Age and assisted reproduction

Parenthood is conceptualized as a commitment. Responsible parents are reasonably certain that they will be able to meet their parental obligations and responsibilities. Two factors which may cause the failure to meet the commitment are discussed: (1) lack of time and (2) insufficient personal resources and capacities. Since these capacities are no longer present in most people in their seventies, the age limit for parenthood is placed around 50. The use of the average competent life span as a reference for decisions about the cut-off age limit is closely connected to an opinion about what constitutes a complete life. A complete life is a life in which (a) one's moral obligations and responsibilities have been discharged; and (b) one's life possibilities have on the whole been accomplished. Both conditions are fulfilled if procreation takes place before the age of 50.