Greek mother gives birth using embryo frozen for 22 years

A 54-year-old Greek woman delivered a baby girl in Athens after a frozen embryo, stored for 22 years, was successfully implanted. The birth comes a few months after the couple’s 21-year-old son died in a road accident.

Greek law limits in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures to women who are 54 or younger, giving the couple a narrow window to complete treatment. The woman said she had only about two and a half months to act.

"I only had a 2½-month window. It was stressful, but with inner strength and our doctor and his whole team by our side, we got through every obstacle," she said.

The newborn weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces. The couple chose to name her Georgia in memory of their late son, Giorgos, who was also born through IVF.

Dr. Kostas Pantos, a gynecologist and head of the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine, said the case highlights the strictness of Greece’s age-limit law and suggested it may need revision.

"The law is very strict: 54 plus one day is not allowed. Maybe it’s time for it to change," Pantos said.

The father expressed gratitude to the medical team for helping the family move forward after their loss.

"He took us by the hand and pulled us out of our deepest darkness," he said.

The parents indicated they may consider additional children, potentially by seeking treatment abroad.