After twelve years of trying to conceive, a 35-year-old Ethiopian woman gave birth to quintuplets in a hospital in the east of the country. An extremely rare birth, especially since it occurred naturally.

For more than a decade, Bedriya Adem had hoped to become a mother. This 35-year-old Ethiopian woman finally gave birth to quintuplets, an extremely rare event, in the Harari regional state in the east of the country.

Four boys and a girl were born Tuesday evening by cesarean section at Hiwot Fana Specialist Hospital. According to the hospital, as reported by the BBC, all five infants are healthy despite their low birth weight, between 1.3 and 1.4 kg. The mother and her babies remain under medical observation.

"I can't even describe my happiness with words," the young mother told the BBC. For twelve years, she recounted living "in pain and depression," marked by the impossibility of having a child.

One chance in 55 million

The case has also puzzled the medical community. Dr. Mohammed Nur Abdulahi, the hospital's medical director, explained that the multiple pregnancy occurred naturally, without the use of in vitro fertilization.

An extremely rare phenomenon: the chances of conceiving quintuplets naturally are estimated at about one in 55 million. Initially, doctors thought Bedriya was expecting four babies. A fifth infant was ultimately discovered at the time of delivery.

“I prayed for just one child, and Allah gave me five,” she recounted, still moved. She also spoke of the difficult years she endured in her village, where her infertility was regularly pointed out. “I spent twelve years suffering, hiding, and praying constantly for children.” Her husband, already a father from a previous marriage, tried to reassure her every day.

Today, the young woman says she is "fulfilled" by her "five blessings", named Naif, Ammar, Munzir, Nazira and Ansar.

A farmer, Bedriya admits to worrying about the financial future of her now large family. But she remains hopeful: "I believe that Allah will provide for our needs with the support of my community and the government."