Embryos can be either “fresh” from fertilized egg cells of the same menstrual cycle, or “frozen”, that is they have been generated in a preceding cycle and undergone embryo cryopreservation, and are thawed just prior to the transfer, which is then termed "frozen embryo transfer" (FET).
Benjamin and Tina Gibson’s daughter, Emma Wren, weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces when she came into the world on November 25.
Prior to being transferred into Tina’s uterus at the National Embryo Donation Center in Knoxville earlier this year, the embryo Emma grew from had been cryo-preserved for more than 24 years, according to a news release.
And, according to research staff at the University of Tennessee Preston Medical Library, that makes her the all-time record holder for the longest-frozen embryo to result in birth.
The National Embryo Donation Center says it has helped produce more pregnancies through embryo adoption, nearly 700, than any other organization or clinic.
Interestingly, Emma’s embryo was frozen on Oct. 14, 1992, when Tina was just a year-and-a-half old.
“It is deeply moving and highly rewarding to see that embryos frozen 24.5 years ago using the old, early cryo-preservation techniques of slow freezing on day one of development at the pronuclear stage can result in 100 percent survival of the embryos with a 100 percent continued proper development to the day-3 embryo stage,” said NEDC Lab Director Carol Sommerfelt.
“Emma is such a sweet miracle,” Benjamin said of his daughter. “I think she looks pretty perfect to have been frozen all those years ago.”
“The NEDC has been privileged to work with the Gibsons to help them realize their dreams of becoming parents,” said NEDC Medical Director Dr. Jeffrey Keenan. “We hope this story is a clarion call to all couples who have embryos in long-term storage to consider this life-affirming option for their embryos.”