Greece: Baby born from embryo frozen for over 22 years

The embryo was cryopreserved on March 17, 2004, as part of an in vitro fertilization treatment. It was transferred on December 23, 2025, to a private clinic in Athens, more than two decades after its creation.

The patient had previously used this batch of embryos in 2004. For this new attempt, she had to obtain permission from the Greek National Authority for Assisted Reproduction and complete the procedure before the age limit of 54 years set by the country’s legislation.

Gynecologist Konstantinos Pantos believes that the birth represents a significant clinical case for reproductive medicine. His team calculates that the duration between the cryopreservation of the embryo and the delivery was 22 years, five months, and 23 days.

A scientific significance yet to be evaluated

The medical team presents this timeframe as the longest documented with autologous reproductive material, meaning it came from the same patient. However, this claim should be distinguished from other births resulting from embryos that were donated and frozen for longer periods, including a case recognized in the United States that exceeded 30 years.

The clinical and biological data from the procedure have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. The doctors have announced their intention to submit the case to an international scientific journal for the timeline, method, and significance of the case to be examined.