Doris Anum-Dorhuso Delivers First Baby at 61 via Advanced IVF Amid Calls for Comprehensive Maternal Mental Health Support

In a landmark achievement for fertility medicine in Ghana, 61-year-old Doris Anum-Dorhuso has successfully given birth to her first child, a daughter named Naa Dromo. This historic event occurred at Mary-Lucy Hospital in Accra on July 2, 2026, following a specialized Stem Cell-Enhanced In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedure. Mrs. Anum-Dorhuso, who had previously been told she had no chance of conception due to her advanced age and a history of fibroid surgery, welcomed her baby just days before her 62nd birthday. The successful delivery marks a significant milestone in assisted reproductive technology within the country, showcasing the potential of modern science to overcome long-standing barriers to motherhood. Hospital officials have hailed the birth as a breakthrough that offers renewed hope to women struggling with infertility across the region. The use of stem cell enhancement in the IVF process represents an evolving frontier in local medical practice, addressing complex reproductive cases that were once deemed impossible. According to medical staff, the pregnancy proceeded without complications, demonstrating the potential of advanced reproductive treatments to expand the window of childbearing for Ghanaian women. This achievement underscores the growing capabilities of Ghana's health sector in delivering innovative solutions that align with global fertility standards. Alongside these physical medical advancements, health experts are emphasizing the critical psychological dimensions of the maternal journey. Counselling Psychologist Esther Kyewaa Opoku has highlighted the importance of recognizing that maternal mental health issues, particularly postpartum depression (PPD), can often begin during pregnancy rather than after childbirth. While the joy of a new birth like Mrs. Anum-Dorhuso's is celebrated, Opoku notes that significant hormonal shifts following conception influence a woman’s emotions, sleep patterns, and decision-making processes. She advocates for proactive mental health support, noting that the emotional well-being of the mother is as vital as the physical success of the pregnancy itself. The convergence of breakthrough fertility treatments and increased awareness of perinatal mental health highlights a more holistic approach to maternal care in Ghana. As technologies like Stem Cell-Enhanced IVF become more accessible, the medical community is urging a parallel focus on the psychological welfare of expectant and new mothers. For women whose journey to motherhood spans decades, the combination of advanced clinical intervention and robust mental health awareness ensures that the next generation of Ghanaian mothers is supported through every stage of their transformative experience.