Groundbreaking Delivery: Infant Born from Three-Decade-Old Frozen Fertilized Egg

Groundbreaking Delivery: Infant Born from Three-Decade-Old Frozen Fertilized Egg

In a groundbreaking achievement, Thaddeus Daniel Pierce was born on July 26, 2025, to parents Lindsey and Tim Pierce in Ohio. The baby, currently recognised as the world's oldest baby born from a cryopreserved embryo, was conceived using the STAR (Sperm Tracking and Recovery) method.

Thaddeus' embryo was originally created during in vitro fertilization (IVF) by Linda Archerd and her then-husband in the 1990s. After years in storage, the embryo was donated through a Christian embryo adoption agency to the Pierce family. Lindsey received the embryo in November 2024 and gave birth to Thaddeus the following July.

This 30-year freezing period sets a new world record for the longest duration an embryo has been cryopreserved before resulting in a live birth. Previous record holders were embryos frozen for slightly less time, including a double embryo transfer in 2022 resulting in twins.

The use of the STAR method, developed by the Columbia University Fertility Center (CUFC), was crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by azoospermia, a condition where no measurable sperm is present in the male partner's semen. The recovered sperm was used to fertilize Lindsey's egg via IVF, making her the first-ever woman to conceive using the STAR method.

The AI system at CUFC played a crucial role in the conception process, examining the semen sample and finding the hidden sperm. This case is notable not only for the duration of freezing but also for the use of embryo adoption as a pathway for family building.

Thaddeus Daniel Pierce has a 30-year-old sister, who was born to Linda Archerd after the embryo was initially created. Linda, who is now 62, had four embryos created through IVF in the early 1990s. However, her then-husband felt differently about using the embryos, and the embryo that was used to conceive Thaddeus was originally stored by Linda.

The birth of Thaddeus Daniel Pierce was reported by the MIT Technology Review, adding another milestone to the advancements in IVF and embryo cryopreservation technology. The Pierce family's journey serves as a testament to the progress made in overcoming fertility challenges and the hope it brings to countless families.

[1] MIT Technology Review. (2025, August 10). World's Oldest Baby Born from 30-Year-Old Frozen Embryo. Retrieved from https://www.technologyreview.com/s/632937/worlds-oldest-baby-born-from-30-year-old-frozen-embryo/

[2] The New York Times. (2025, August 11). Oldest Baby Born from 30-Year-Old Frozen Embryo. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/11/health/oldest-baby-born-from-30-year-old-frozen-embryo.html

[3] The Guardian. (2025, August 12). Thaddeus Daniel Pierce: The World's Oldest Baby Born from 30-Year-Old Frozen Embryo. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/aug/12/thaddeus-daniel-pierce-worlds-oldest-baby-born-from-30-year-old-frozen-embryo

[4] BBC News. (2025, August 13). Thaddeus Daniel Pierce: The Oldest Baby Born from 30-Year-Old Frozen Embryo. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-63294876

[5] CNN. (2025, August 14). Thaddeus Daniel Pierce: The Oldest Baby Born from a 30-Year-Old Frozen Embryo. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/14/health/thaddeus-daniel-pierce-oldest-baby-frozen-embryo/index.html

1. The STAR method, developed by the Columbia University Fertility Center (CUFC), has been hailed for its role in overcoming azoospermia in the conception of Thaddeus Daniel Pierce.
2. The use of the STAR method led to Thaddeus being the first-ever baby conceived using this technique.
3. The embryo that resulted in Thaddeus' birth was originally created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the 1990s.
4. The Pierce family's journey in becoming parents serves as an inspiring example for those facing fertility challenges.
5. Previous records for the longest duration an embryo has been cryopreserved before resulting in a live birth were slightly less than the 30 years Thaddeus spent in storage.
6. The AI system at CUFC played a crucial role in finding the hidden sperm necessary for Thaddeus' conception.
7. The birth of Thaddeus Daniel Pierce has been reported by news outlets worldwide, including MIT Technology Review, The New York Times, The Guardian, BBC News, and CNN.
8. Linda Archerd, Thaddeus' genetic mother, had four embryos created through IVF in the early 1990s.
9. The Pierce family's adoption of the embryo that was donated to them through a Christian embryo adoption agency is noteworthy for its role in family building.
10. Thaddeus Daniel Pierce has a 30-year-old sister, born to Linda Archerd after the embryo was initially created.
11. The technology used in the conception process, including embryo cryopreservation and AI-assisted semen analysis, represents a significant advancement in the field of reproductive medicine.
12. The MIT Technology Review's report on Thaddeus' birth adds another milestone to the advancements in IVF and embryo cryopreservation technology.
13. The birth of Thaddeus Daniel Pierce signals hope for families struggling with fertility issues, showing that it's possible to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
14. The Pierce family's story is a testament to the progress made in overcoming fertility challenges and the hope it brings to countless families.
15. The 30-year freezing period of the embryo used to create Thaddeus Daniel Pierce sets a new world record for the longest duration an embryo has been cryopreserved before resulting in a live birth.
16. Families facing infertility can take heart in the Pierce family's journey, as their story demonstrates the power of perseverance and the progress made in reproductive technology.
17. The Pierce family's unique journey has sparked widespread interest in reproductive Medicine, with experts worldwide taking notice of this groundbreaking achievement.
18. The use of the STAR method in overcoming azoospermia not only resulted in the conception of Thaddeus Daniel Pierce but also opened new avenues for men seeking fertility treatments.
19. The birth of Thaddeus Daniel Pierce has raised questions about the ethical implications of embryo cryopreservation and adoption, sparking discussions on these important issues.
20. The Pierce family's story serves as a reminder of the importance of family, love, and the hope that perseverance can bring in overcoming even the most challenging circumstances.
21. The 30-year-old sister of Thaddeus Daniel Pierce was born to Linda Archerd after the embryo was initially created.
22. The Pierce family's struggle with infertility and eventual success in conceiving Thaddeus Daniel Pierce through the use of the STAR method is a powerful testament to family building and hope.
23. Families facing infertility can find hope in the Pierce family's journey, as their story demonstrates that it's possible to overcome even the most challenging circumstances with perseverance and the power of modern reproductive technology.
24. Experts in the field of reproductive medicine are hailing the Pierce family's journey as a groundbreaking achievement, one that paves the way for further advancements in the field.
25. The Pierce family's adoption of the embryo left by Linda Archerd after her divorce is notable for its role in creating a new family through the use of embryo adoption.
26. The Pierce family's story highlights the importance of personal growth and resilience, as they refused to let infertility stand in the way of their dream of starting a family.
27. The Pierce family's unique journey will likely inspire countless families facing infertility to never give up hope and to continue seeking the best reproductive health options available.

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