Overview

• Thaddeus Daniel Pierce arrived on July 26 in Ohio after development from a 31-year-old embryo, surpassing the previous 30-year longevity benchmark
• The embryo was created in 1994 via in vitro fertilization by donor Linda Archerd and remained in cryostorage until last year’s thaw and implantation
• Nightlight Christian Adoptions’ Snowflakes program enabled Archerd to specify a U.S., married Christian couple as recipients in an open embryo adoption
• Rejoice Fertility in Tennessee performed the thaw and transfer under Dr. John David Gordon, marking the longest documented cryopreservation to result in a live birth
• Medical experts say the case highlights advances in embryo storage and renews debate over the fate and regulation of more than 1.5 million embryos in U.S. freezers