Advances in modern medicine have achieved remarkable feats, such as assisting families who face biological challenges in having children. One case in point involves a woman born in 1991 who successfully gave birth to an embryo that had been frozen since 1992.

Old Frozen Embryo Develops New Baby

Tina Gibson resides in Tennessee with her husband Benjamin. Despite being married for more than 5 years, they struggled to conceive. "My husband has cystic fibrosis, so infertility is common," Tina explained.

"We had decided that we were likely going to adopt, and we were okay with that." The couple were foster parents until a frozen embryo permanently transformed their lives.

Emma Wren Gibson entered the world on November 25, 2017, weighing 6 pounds and 8 ounces. While she was born healthy, her story is remarkable: she was born from a frozen embryo donated in 1992, just one year after Tina's birth.

Hesitant To Consider A Frozen Embryo

The couple initially hesitated about the idea of using a frozen embryo, but Tina's father introduced them to the concept. "I was like, 'Well, that's nice, Dad, but we're not interested. We're knee-deep in foster care right now. I kind of blew it off. I had no interest in it." Tina recalled, though the idea stuck with her. "It was playing in my mind over and over and over," she said. Thankfully, when she shared her thoughts with Benjamin, he revealed he had been contemplating it too.

As they drove home, Tina delved into researching the option of birthing a frozen embryo, noting that the National Embryo Donation Center in Knoxville could carry out the daunting yet exhilarating procedure. After several weeks, the couple made the decision to "submit an application for embryo adoption," Tina recounted. "On a whim, we filled out an application and submitted it that night."

Thoughtfully Submitting An Application

After evaluating Tina's physical readiness for treatment over several months, the application process resembled that of prospective foster or adoptive parents. Initially, a state worker visited their home to ensure it was suitable for welcoming a new baby.

"It's just the standard home study, similar to any home study in a traditional adoption process," explained Mark Mellinger, the marketing and development director at the NEDC. "Very rarely does a review uncover any issues," he added.

Once approved, the couple received a list of potential frozen embryos, complete with detailed information on family medical histories and academic or professional achievements.

"We literally had two weeks to go through 300 profiles," Benjamin said.

Frozen Embryo Statistics

Ultimately, the couple selected their frozen embryo, which would become Emma Wren Gibson. Although presumed to originate from a donation in 1992, medical experts who conducted the procedure caution that there's no definitive way to verify this. The process involved using three frozen embryos, and it remains uncertain which specific embryo resulted in the successful pregnancy.

"Identifying the oldest known embryo is simply an impossibility," said Dr. Zaher Merhi, director of IVF research and development at New Hope Fertility Center. Although the facility didn't take part in the Gibson case, it's familiar with similar practices and procedures. Merhi notes that American companies are not required to report to the government the age of an embryo used. As such, "nobody has these records."

Thrilled Over The New Baby

Benjamin was overjoyed despite not sharing his daughter's genetic makeup. "As soon as she came out, I fell in love with her," he expressed. Tina shared his enthusiasm and was equally thrilled.

"We're just so thankful and blessed. She's a precious Christmas gift from the Lord. We're just so grateful." She said. "We wanted to adopt, and I don't know that that isn't going to be in our future. We may still adopt. This just ended up being the route that we took."

The NEDC

The National Embryo Donation Center, founded in 2003 according to Mellinger, is a faith-based organization. "We say that our reason for existence is to protect the sanctity and dignity of the human embryo." He explained. "We are big advocates of embryo donation and embryo adoption."

"We will contact the fertility clinic where the embryos are stored, and they are happy to work with us." He added. "We will adopt out an embryo whenever. Sometimes, embryos have been in storage for a few weeks, maybe a few months. Sometimes, it's literally been decades."

The typical fee is approximately $12,500, covered by the adopting couple, for the first attempt.

Alternative Roads To Parenthood

While many aspire to have biological children, it's not always feasible. Fortunately, there are alternative paths and supports available to help fulfill a couple's dream of starting a family. While using a frozen embryo is one option, there are several others to consider.

Becoming a foster parent is a rewarding choice that benefits both adults and children. Thousands of children in the U.S. are in foster care, seeking loving and supportive homes. This option also offers governmental assistance to ease the financial responsibilities of caring for a child.

Surrogacy, though costly, is another viable option for couples facing fertility challenges. A chosen woman carries and gives birth to a baby for parents hoping to have a child biologically related to them.

Lastly, adoption presents an opportunity to provide a better life for thousands of children in the U.S. and millions globally. If fertility struggles persist, adoption can brighten both your life and the life of a child in need, offering a chance to make a positive impact on the world.

Boosting Fertility

If your goal is to conceive naturally, here are some steps you can take to enhance fertility:

Regular exercise
Yoga
Alternative therapies like acupuncture
Managing diet and weight
Taking vitamins and supplements

Becoming a parent is a thrilling but emotionally charged journey, especially if considering options like frozen embryos, surrogacy, or adoption. Each path involves its own emotional challenges. To support your mental well-being during these times, lean on loved ones or connect with others who have faced similar experiences. They can provide a strong support system and valuable advice based on their own journeys.