Al Pacino's Late Fatherhood Raises Health and Paternity Concerns

Doctors and medical ethicists are warning about the risks of fathering children in old age, following news that actor Al Pacino is expecting a child at age 83. Research suggests that babies born to older men have an increased risk of arriving prematurely or developing birth defects, certain cancers or neurodevelopmental disorders, though the overall risk is still low. The medical community does not have a consistent definition of so-called advanced paternal age, but doctors recommend that men ages 40 and up be aware of the increased risk of adverse health outcomes in their offspring.