The World’s Oldest Baby: How Embryo Donation is Breaking Records
Born from an embryo frozen over 30 years ago, Thaddeus Daniel Pierce arrived on 26 July 2025, breaking records as the ‘world’s oldest baby’.
Thaddeus is the second child born from four embryos created in May 1994, the first being his elder sister born in 1995 to their biological mother, Linda Archerd, now 63 years old. Decades later, Thaddeus was adopted as an embryo by a couple in Ohio. He shares no biological connection with his birth mother or legal father – who, notably, was just a toddler when Thaddeus was conceived!
Embryo Storage
Thaddeus’ birth highlights the extraordinary advancements in cryopreservation and fertility treatments. Whilst freezing embryos is common procedure in IVF treatment, the expense of storage means it is unusual for an embryo to be frozen for a significant amount of time. However, with improved screening and storage techniques, scientists can now ensure that embryos frozen decades ago can still result in healthy births.
In the UK, both biological donors must consent to the storage and use of embryos containing their genetic material. Previously, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 permitted the storage of embryos for only 10 years, unless exceptional circumstances (usually medical grounds) could be proved. However, since 1 July 2022, this changed and they can now be stored for up to 55 years, as long as donor consent is reattained every decade. Consent can be withdrawn by a biological parent or donor at any time, which then triggers a 12 month “cooling off” period.
Elsewhere in the world, laws vary - in the United States of America, for example, there is no legal limit on how long embryos (or sperm and eggs) can be stored for.
Embryo Donation
Donors can choose to discard, store, or donate the surplus embryos they create in fertility treatments. With the current advancements in technology, the popularity of embryo donation could grow in the future as a viable and attractive option for many families. Already, some fertility clinics in the UK and globally advertise services in which they connect embryo donors and prospective parents.
Prospective donors and recipients should carefully consider their legal status at every stage of the donation process. Donors have no legal or financial obligations to any child/ren conceived from their donation.
In the UK, embryo donation is regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). When using a HFEA licensed clinic, donors will not attain legal rights or responsibilities towards the child/ren conceived. However, risks can arise when donations are made outside of HFEA licenced clinics which could result in a donor claiming legal parent status and/or contact with the resulting child/ren.
Historically, donors in the UK were entitled to remain anonymous. On 1 April 2005, the law changed, giving donor-conceived individuals the right to find out key information about their biological donors when they reach the age of 18, including their donor’s full name, date of birth, and last known residence given to HFEA. This means that, in 2023, the first donor-conceived individuals were able to exercise their right to access these details.
How we can help
Our Family team has extensive experience helping families navigate the ever-changing world of fertility treatments. If you are considering embryo adoption, either in the UK or abroad, we can provide you with specialist legal advice throughout the process.
