While Germany’s fertility rate has slumped to a paltry 1.38 births per woman, one elderly teacher from Berlin is eagerly expecting her 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th children.
Although she was shocked to find out that she is expecting quadruplets, she decided to proceed with the pregnancy.
A decade ago, Ms. Raunigk became instantly famous when she had a daughter, Leila, at the age of 55. Now her youngest daughter wants more brothers and sisters to play with.
So 18 months ago she opted to pursue a fertility treatment. The babies are due to be born in the summer. Despite the fact that she will retire from teaching this year, Raunigk decided to go ahead with the pregnancy and said she was "still quite fit" and able to look after four babies.
Her 13 children – the oldest of whom is 44 – are by five different fathers, and Raunigk has seven grandchildren.
Raunigk is set to be the oldest woman ever to give birth to quadruplets.
