How a 30-year-old frozen embryo became the world's oldest baby

India Today

2 days ago

A medical feat has made headlines around the world as a healthy baby boy was born in the US, using an embryo that had been frozen for over three decades.Believed to be the longest-known interval between embryo freezing and birth, this event not only showcases the advances in fertility science but also opens up fresh possibilities for couples struggling with infertility.advertisementThe embryo, originally frozen in 1992, along with three others, by Linda Archerd, had remained in deep freeze. The original donors undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in 1994, didn't use all of them, and instead of discarding the remaining embryos, they chose to donate them for use by other families.For many years, those embryos stayed in frozen storage. Then, in 2023, a different couple, Lindsey and Tim Pierce, who had difficulty conceiving on their own, chose to receive one of those donated embryos.Doctors carefully thawed the embryo and transferred it into the new mother's uterus, at Rejoice Fertility, a Christian non-profit IVF centre based in Tennessee that facilitates embryo adoption. The embryo was implanted successfully, and months later, a healthy baby, Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, was born - now being called the world's oldest baby.
The story raises an important question: can an embryo that's been frozen for so long truly result in a healthy child? We spoke to IVF specialists to understand the procedure and how this medical advancement takes place.According to experts, yes. The key lies in how well the embryo was preserved over the years and the integrity of the storage conditions.'An embryo frozen 30 years ago can still result in a healthy pregnancy, thanks to advancements in cryopreservation—especially vitrification. At this ultra-low temperature, all cellular activity comes to a standstill, which prevents any degradation or ageing, " Dr. Jyoti Tripathi, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Indore, explains.There is no biological 'expiry date' for embryos as long as they are kept under ideal conditions.'Medically, embryos can be preserved for decades without risk. What matters is maintaining consistent storage conditions. In India, however, the ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) law allows storage for up to 10 years, after which renewed consent is required," Dr. Tripathi adds.The successful birth proves that time doesn't necessarily diminish the viability of a frozen embryo, as long as all scientific protocols are carefully followed.Unlike egg or sperm donation, embryo donation allows the receiving mother to carry the pregnancy herself, creating a powerful emotional connection. It also presents a more affordable path for many families.'Embryo donation is not only emotionally fulfilling but also less financially burdensome. Using surplus cryopreserved embryos costs much less than undergoing a fresh IVF cycle. For couples in countries like India, where affordability is often a concern, this makes a big difference," Dr. Bhavana Girish, IVF Specialist at Motherhood Fertility & IVF in Bangalore, notes.advertisementShe also addresses concerns about health risks: 'There are no added risks to the baby or mother just because the embryo is older. Freezing essentially pauses time. Whether it's five months or 30 years old, once thawed, the embryo behaves the same.'The birth of this baby girl symbolises more than just a medical achievement as it represents a shift in how we understand time, biology, and the possibilities of parenthood.'Embryos are not just cells,' says Dr. Tripathi. 'They are potential life. That's why every clinic has ethical and legal responsibilities around their storage and use. But from a purely medical standpoint, time doesn't reduce their potential.'This landmark birth is a reminder that advances in reproductive medicine are constantly pushing boundaries.What was once a frozen cell in 1992 is now a thriving child in 2025. It's a scientific miracle, and a message of hope.- Ends
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