EMAS position statement: Late parenthood

Introduction: During the last decades, couples in Europe have been delaying parenthood, mainly due to socio-demographic factors that include increased rates of university education and employment in women and poorer financial status.

Aims: The aim of this position statement is to provide and critically appraise evidence on the impact of late parenthood, focusing on the pathophysiology and management of male and female infertility, pregnancy complications and long-term offspring health.

Materials and methods: Literature review and consensus of expert opinion.

Results and conclusions: Advanced parental age is associated with infertility and pregnancy complications and may have an impact on long-term offspring health. All adults of reproductive age should receive counseling on the risks of advanced parental age, so they can make informed decisions about the timing of childbearing. All parents-to-be of advanced age should receive advice on the potential pregnancy, neonatal and long-term offspring health-related issues. These tasks require an interdisciplinary approach that could lead to patient-centered, informed decision-making strategies.