Colombia ∙ A 39-year-old mother is about to give birth to her 20th child. Martha, from Medellin, Colombia, claims that this will continue until she can no longer conceive. The children so far are all from relationships with different men.
17 members of the family are below 18 years of age. Moreover, Martha receives financial assistance from the government for each child. So Martha says being a mom is like running a business. Martha and the children live in a small three-bedroom house. The older child is sleeping on the couch. Because there are so many children, the money received from the government is not enough to cover the cost of raising and caring for them. Older children receive assistance from the government at a rate of $76 and younger children approximately $30.50. Martha receives about $510 a month for child care from the Colombian government.
It is often difficult to even provide enough food for everyone. Martha receives help from the local church and her neighbors. Martha accuses the children’s fathers of taking an ‘irresponsible’ approach.
Summary:
39-year-old mother reveals pregnancy of 20th child