Annegret Raunigk: 65-Year-Old German Woman Gives Birth to Quadruplets

Annegret Raunigk, a 65-year-old teacher from Berlin, has given birth to quadruplets, German television RTL reported on May 23.

The German woman’s pregnancy was widely criticized by medical professionals because of her age.

Annegret Raunigk gave birth to a girl – Neeta – and three boys – Dries, Bence and Fjonn – by cesarean section at a Berlin hospital on May 19, RTL said.

The newborns, who were born in the 26^th week of pregnancy, weighed between 655 grams (1 lb., 7 ounces) and 960 grams (2 lbs., 2 ounces) each.

A spokeswoman for RTL said the babies stood a strong chance of survival but possible complications couldn’t yet be ruled out. Their mother was doing well, the spokeswoman said.

Annegret Raunigk had signed a contract granting RTL exclusive access in return for an undisclosed sum, The Associated Press reported.

The woman already had 13 children ranging in age from 9 to 44, from five fathers. She told Germany’s Bild newspaper last month that she decided to become pregnant again because her 9-year-old daughter wanted a younger sibling. She also has seven grandchildren.

Annegret Raunigk traveled abroad to have donated, fertilized eggs implanted – a procedure that is illegal in Germany.