Meet Thaddeus Pierce: Baby Born from a 30-Year-Old Frozen Embryo
Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, born in 2025, came from a 1994 embryo making him possibly the oldest embryo ever born. A miracle decades in the making.
A miracle birth decades in the making
In an incredible medical milestone, Thaddeus Daniel Pierce was born on July 26, 2025, from an embryo that had been frozen since 1994 over 30 years ago. The birth has captured headlines across the world, earning him the unofficial title of the “oldest baby ever born.”
A Frozen Past: The Story Behind the Embryo
Back in the early ’90s, Linda Archerd underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF), creating four embryos. One was successfully implanted and became her daughter, who is now 30 years old. The remaining embryos were cryogenically preserved and untouched until now.
After going through a divorce, Archerd made the emotional decision to place her unused embryos up for adoption.
A New Family Steps In
Enter Lindsey and Tim Pierce, who chose to adopt one of the long-preserved embryos. The embryo transfer was carried out by Dr. John Gordon at a faith-based fertility clinic, marking a deeply spiritual and emotional journey for the couple.
The successful birth of baby Thaddeus represents not just a medical feat, but also a powerful story of family, faith, and second chances.
Science Meets Symbolism
Thaddeus may be the oldest frozen embryo to result in a live birth, setting a potential new record in fertility medicine. While more research is needed to confirm that title officially, the case highlights the astonishing longevity and viability of preserved embryos.
Even his name, Thaddeus, carries a vintage charm. It peaked in popularity in 1918 (ranking 307th) and had fallen to 850th by 2024 making it a fitting throwback name for a baby born from the past.
What This Means for the Future
Thaddeus’s story opens up new discussions about the possibilities of long-term embryo storage, ethical considerations, and how families are redefining biological timelines in the 21st century.
