By Michelle Lang, Canwest News Service

CALGARY — A 60-year-old woman touched off a national debate over medical ethics this week when she delivered healthy twins at a Calgary hospital — possibly making her the oldest person in Canada to give birth.

Family members say Ranjit Hayer and her husband have been unsuccessfully trying to have children for nearly 40 years.

Reports say Hayer, originally from India, returned there to receive in vitro fertilization with donated eggs after being turned down for the procedure in Canada because of her age.

Hayer gave birth to two boys, Manjot and Gurpreet, via caesarean section Tuesday.

The boys were delivered about seven weeks premature, but health officials said the fraternal twins and their mother are in good condition.

“My wife is very good,” said a beaming Jagir Hayer, the 60-year-old father.

“I’m very happy. God has given me boys, later in life. I want to throw a big party.”

Ranjit Hayer declined requests for interviews Thursday.

The case has sparked a fierce debate about Ranjit Hayer’s age, with some physicians arguing it’s inappropriate to treat a 60-year-old with in vitro fertilization, even if the technology makes it possible.

Several Canadian fertility clinics say they won’t treat women over age 50.