Baby Born from 30-Year-Old Frozen Embryo Sets New World Record
A baby boy born from a 30-year-old frozen embryo has broken records and stirred global interest.
Thaddeus Daniel Pierce was born to Lindsey (35) and Tim Pierce (34) in London, Ohio, on Saturday. The couple had been trying to conceive for seven years before turning to IVF, and ended up making history without even trying.
The embryo was made in 1994 by Linda Archerd, now 62, and her then-husband. One of the four embryos became her daughter, now 30, while the remaining three were placed in long-term storage.
Despite her divorce, Ms. Archerd paid to preserve the embryos for decades, hoping they could one day help another family. She eventually connected with Nightlight Christian Adoptions, which runs the Snowflakes embryo adoption program.
As part of the agreement, Archerd chose the recipient couple, requesting a married, Caucasian, Christian couple living in the U.S.
The Rejoice Fertility clinic in Tennessee, which carried out the embryo transfer, emphasizes giving every embryo a chance, regardless of its age.
While the Pierces say they never intended to set records, their son’s story is capturing hearts and headlines. Ms. Archerd hasn’t met baby Thaddeus yet, but says she already sees her daughter’s resemblance in him.
