Latest news with #ThaddeusPierce
Sustainability Times
04-08-2025
- Health
- Sustainability Times
World Stunned as ‘Frozen in Time' 1994 Embryo Gives Birth to Baby in 2025, Sparking Fierce Debate on Ethics and the Future of Parenthood
IN A NUTSHELL 🍼 A baby boy named Thaddeus was born from a 31-year-old frozen embryo , setting a new world record in reproductive medicine. , setting a new world record in reproductive medicine. ❄️ The embryo was originally created in 1994 through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and was adopted by Lindsey and Tim Pierce from Ohio. and was adopted by Lindsey and Tim Pierce from Ohio. 🏥 The birth took place at Rejoice Fertility in Tennessee, highlighting advancements in IVF technology and embryo preservation. in Tennessee, highlighting advancements in IVF technology and embryo preservation. 👨👩👦 This event underscores the potential of embryo adoption programs, offering new opportunities for families struggling with infertility. In a groundbreaking event that has captured the attention of the medical community and the public alike, a baby boy has been born in the United States from an embryo that was frozen for over three decades. This remarkable occurrence sets a new record for the longest-stored embryo to result in a successful live birth. Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, born on July 26, 2025, to Ohio parents Lindsey and Tim Pierce, is being heralded as the world's 'oldest baby.' The embryo, originally created in 1994, was cryopreserved for 31 years, marking a significant milestone in the field of reproductive medicine. Embryo Frozen for 31 Years The journey of this particular embryo began in the early 1990s when Linda Archerd and her husband pursued in vitro fertilization (IVF) to start their family. In 1994, the process resulted in four embryos. One of these embryos was transferred successfully, leading to the birth of their daughter, who is now 30 years old. The remaining embryos were cryogenically preserved and stored for future use. Over the years, Linda faced increasing annual storage fees, which eventually reached a thousand dollars. As the financial burden grew, she discovered the concept of embryo adoption through the Nightlight Christian Adoptions' 'Snowflakes' program. This innovative program allows donated embryos to be adopted by new families, giving them a chance at life. 'From Trash to Treasure' as MIT's New 3D Printer Turns Rotting Food Scraps Into Household Items and Sparks Fierce Debate Over Waste, Sustainability, and Safety Linda was matched with the Pierces, a couple who shared her values and were eager to expand their family. Although Lindsey and Tim Pierce were not attempting to set any records, their primary goal was to have a baby. Despite a challenging birth, both Lindsey and Thaddeus are now doing well. Lindsey expressed her awe and gratitude, stating, 'We are in awe that we have this precious baby.' Major Advancement in IVF The successful birth of Thaddeus highlights major advancements in IVF technology and practices. Rejoice Fertility, the Tennessee clinic responsible for the embryo transfer, is dedicated to giving every embryo a chance at life, regardless of its age. This commitment is particularly significant as some agencies tend to avoid working with older embryos due to concerns about their viability after thawing. 'Men Can Smell When You're Fertile' as Study Finds Women's Ovulation Scent Triggers Happiness and Sparks Explosive Debate Over Biology and Consent Previously, the record for the longest-frozen embryo to result in a live birth was held by twins born in 2022 from embryos frozen in 1992. The birth of Thaddeus shatters this record and emphasizes the progress made in reproductive medicine since the first successful IVF birth in 1978. The advancements in assisted reproductive technology have been monumental, providing hope and possibilities for families worldwide. Understanding In Vitro Fertilization In vitro fertilization is a fertility treatment that involves several steps. Initially, eggs are retrieved from a woman's ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a controlled laboratory setting. Once fertilized, the resulting embryos can either be transferred into the woman's womb to achieve pregnancy or cryopreserved for future use. This process offers couples the flexibility to attempt pregnancy at a later time, adapting to their personal and financial circumstances. The number of IVF births has been on the rise globally, reflecting the growing acceptance and success of this technology. Couples facing infertility challenges now have a viable option to start or expand their families. The birth of Thaddeus Pierce underscores the potential of IVF to overcome biological and temporal barriers, making it a beacon of hope for many. The Impact of Embryo Adoption Embryo adoption is an emerging option for families unable to conceive naturally. It involves adopting embryos that have been donated by other families after successful IVF treatments. Programs like Nightlight Christian Adoptions' 'Snowflakes' have facilitated this process, allowing embryos to find new homes and families. For the Archerds and the Pierces, embryo adoption has been a life-changing experience. It underscores the importance of sharing resources and opportunities, enabling families to experience the joy of parenthood. The success of this practice could inspire more families to consider donating unused embryos, potentially transforming countless lives. The story of Thaddeus Daniel Pierce is not just a medical marvel but a testament to human innovation and compassion. As reproductive technologies continue to evolve, they pose ethical, medical, and emotional questions that society must address. How will these advancements shape our understanding of family and parenthood in the decades to come? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (24)
ABC News
02-08-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Baby born in US from an over‑30‑year‑old embryo breaks record
A US baby boy born from an embryo that had been in storage for more than 30 years is believed to have broken the record for the world's "oldest" baby. The embryo of Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, who was born on July 26, had been cryopreserved since 1994, according to MIT Technology Review, which broke the story. His parents, Lindsey and Tim Pierce, who live in the US state of Ohio, "adopted" the embryo from the 62-year-old woman who created it. The couple said those in their lives had likened it to "something from a sci-fi movie". Mr Pierce was a toddler when his son's embryo was first created, and Thaddeus also has a 30-year-old sister. The previous record-holder for an embryo that was frozen before a successful live birth was a pair of twins who were born in 2022 from embryos frozen in 1992. Linda Archerd, who donated the embryo, said it had been "pretty surreal". "It's hard to even believe," she told the US journal. The birth was made possible with the assistance of a Christian embryo adoption service. These services believe an embryo is equivalent to a born child and look to reduce the number of discarded embryos. This includes the case of frozen embryos that have been stored in outdated ways. Ms Archerd originally froze four embryos with the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program run by the Nightlight Christian Adoptions agency. After having her own daughter, the other three were left in storage, and despite divorcing her husband, she did not want to discard the embryos. The program Ms Archerd used also allows donors to choose a couple, and can state religious, racial and nationality preferences. She wanted a white, married Christian couple from the US. "I didn't want them to go out of the country," Mr Archerd told the journal. "And being Christian is very important to me, because I am." Ms Archerd finally found her match in the Pierces, who had been trying to have a child for seven years. "We didn't go into it thinking we would break any records," Mrs Pierce told the journal. "We just wanted to have a baby." The pair say, despite a rough birth, both Mrs Pierce and Thaddeus are doing well. Ms Archerd said he looks just like her own daughter as a baby. "I pulled out my baby book and compared them side by side, and there is no doubt that they are siblings." Snowflakes' vice-president Elizabeth Button said the embryo adoption program honours Ms Archerd for donating her remaining embryos, and Mr and Mrs Pierce for adopting embryos that many fertility clinics would not have taken a chance on. "Though we encourage placing families to make decisions sooner rather than later regarding their remaining embryos, this story affirms that frozen embryos do not have a 'shelf life'. All are deserving of the opportunity to be born."
