Good Morning Britain debate divides viewers as Robert…

Good Morning Britain debate divides viewers as Robert De Niro branded 'selfish' for having baby at 79

Good Morning Britain viewers have been left divided over a segment on Wednesday's edition the ITV show debating the question: how old is too old to have a child?

Hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls discussed the topic following the news that acting legend Robert De Niro has welcomed his seventh child, just months before his 80th birthday. The Hollywood star was recently promoting his latest film, About My Father, when he corrected an interviewer who remarked that he had six children. "Seven, actually. I just had a baby," he confirmed.

In a debate over whether 79 is too old to have a baby, entrepreneur and dad-of-four Tru Powell branded it "selfish", pointing out: "You might not be around for some of the major milestones - seeing your child get married, seeing them graduate, seeing them in their careers, perhaps having your grandchild."

But Geriatric Mum blogger Lucy Baker disagreed, saying: "79 is no young age, let's be honest - but he's bringing a child into the world who is no doubt loved, supported, and has lots of brothers and sisters already. I don't know whether being a marker of a good dad is whether you can run a sports day race or not - I think it's more about providing a loving home."

As GMB viewers took to social media to share their own opinions on the situation, some were supportive of De Niro's news. "Each to their own, one size does not fit all. Congratulations to Robert," one person said.

"You're never too old to be a dad," someone else commented. And a third person said: "That kid is gonna have a hell of a good life, and a loving father... more than a lot of people can say."

However, not everyone agreed. "There's a lot of negative outcomes associated with childhood bereavement. It's hard enough as an adult to come to terms with the loss of a parent and no amount of money in the inheritance will ease that pain," one critic said.

"I think it's selfish. That little one could lose their dad anytime soon due to old age. How is that fair on the child?" another person asked.

But someone else pointed out: "A dad can die at any age - mine was 41 and I was 13 - as long as the child is happy and cared for it doesn't matter."

Do you think 79 is too old to have a baby? Let us know in the comments below.

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