Why the Birth of the ‘World’s Oldest Baby’ Is Stirring Up Ethical Debate

The recent birth of the “world’s oldest baby” in Ohio has brought joy to one couple—and raised a host of complex ethical questions that are sparking debate across the country.

Thaddeus Daniel Pierce was born to Lindsey and Tim Pierce, who had spent seven years trying to conceive. Their emotional journey took an unexpected turn last Saturday, July 26, when they finally welcomed their son into the world.

"We had a rough birth, but we are both doing well now. He is so chill. We are in awe that we have this precious baby!" said Lindsey.

What has made headlines, however, is the fact that Thaddeus was conceived decades ago. In fact, when the embryo that became Thaddeus was created, Lindsey and Tim were both toddlers. Even more surprisingly, Thaddeus' biological sister is only five years younger than Lindsey.

How Is This Possible?

The story begins in 1994, when Linda Archerd and her then-husband created four embryos through IVF. One of these embryos led to the birth of their daughter, who is now 30. The remaining embryos were frozen and stored.

After Linda and her husband separated, she paid thousands of dollars to keep the embryos preserved, hoping to expand her family one day. But when she entered menopause, she was forced to reconsider her options.

Lindsay and Tim Pierce Gave Birth to the 'World's Oldest Baby'

(Lindsey and Tim Pierce/Rejoice Fertility Clinic

Understanding Embryo Adoption

Embryo adoption involves a couple receiving donated embryos instead of undergoing IVF with their own genetic material. Many agencies involved in embryo adoption are faith-based and view embryos as potential lives, making the process similar to traditional adoption in their eyes.

During IVF, it’s common for multiple embryos to be created and stored for potential future use. When couples no longer plan to use them, they face a dilemma: should the embryos be kept in storage, discarded, or donated?

In Linda’s case, she contacted several adoption agencies. Many refused due to the age of the embryos, which had been frozen using now-outdated technology. But she eventually found the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program, run by Nightlight Christian Adoptions. After successfully retrieving old medical records, Linda was able to move forward.

She was also allowed to specify criteria for adoptive parents. She requested that her embryos be placed with a married, Christian, white couple living in the United States. That led to the match with Lindsey and Tim Pierce.

Despite being frozen for over 30 years, one of the embryos successfully led to the birth of Thaddeus. Given how embryo quality and storage methods impact success rates, his birth is considered a scientific milestone.

The Psychological Struggles of Infertility

Infertility can have profound psychological impacts, including feelings of inadequacy, shame, and a shattered sense of identity (Greil, 1997). The desire to have children is not merely a biological instinct but is deeply intertwined with our social and cultural identities ('Psychological impact of infertility', 2018). For the Pierces, their seven-year struggle likely took a significant toll on their mental health.

Many Are Questioning the Ethics of Storing Frozen Embryos for a Long Time

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Why People Are Divided

The birth has reopened long-standing ethical debates about embryo storage and adoption.

According to a 2016 BBC report, there are over 600,000 embryos stored in the United States. Roughly one in ten are eligible for adoption. This raises moral questions: if life begins at conception, should unused embryos be discarded or offered to couples trying to conceive?

For those who hold pro-life views, the answer seems clear.

Jennifer Wilson, who adopted an embryo with her husband Aaron, told the BBC: "We're Christian and we're very pro-life, so we thought, 'Oh my goodness, this is a great way of putting our pro-life beliefs into action by giving these frozen babies a chance to be born.'"

Aaron added: "We believe the Bible has several passages that speak to the fact that life begins at fertilization. For us, you take something like IVF, which typically produces a lot of embryos—we view that as a lot of children. Our concern, as Christians, is how do we respond to that? How do we care for this life?"

In February 2024, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created via IVF should be considered to have the same legal rights as children. That decision has intensified the debate over embryo handling, use, and storage.

Barriers to Access

Another layer to the issue is who gets to adopt these embryos. Many faith-based organizations only allow adoption by married, heterosexual couples, excluding single parents and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Barbara Collura, president of Resolve: The National Infertility Association, criticized this limitation. "I do not think that here in the US we should be allowing these organizations to make these decisions about who can become a parent and who can't."

Dr. Owen Davis, president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, raised another concern around terminology. "Terminology is very important; these frozen embryos could not possibly survive outside the body. Their cells have not differentiated, not become a fetus, and certainly not gestated and delivered."

Global Perspective

Different countries take different approaches to embryo storage. In the UK, eggs, sperm, and embryos can be stored for up to 55 years. Sweden allows a maximum of 10 years, while Australia limits storage to five. In the United States, there is no legal time limit, which allows embryos like Thaddeus’ to be used decades after their creation.

As science, law, and personal belief systems intersect, the birth of the world’s oldest baby is more than a medical marvel—it’s a moment that forces society to confront difficult questions about life, parenthood, and ethics. For now, there are no easy answers.

Given this context, it's not surprising that the birth of their son, despite its unusual circumstances, brought immense joy and relief. The arrival of the 'world's oldest baby' represents not just a medical marvel but the fulfillment of a deeply held desire. Dr. Shawn Achor, a positive psychology researcher, states, "The joy of achieving a long-held dream can significantly enhance one's overall well-being," which underscores the psychological benefits of successful fertility treatments. For more insights on the intersection of happiness and health, visit his website at shawnachor.com.

The Ethics of Fertility Treatments

However, the ethical questions surrounding the use of decades-old embryos in fertility treatments are important to consider. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, states, "The implications of using older embryos raise significant concerns about the welfare of the child and the rights of donors." She emphasizes the need for careful consideration of these ethical dilemmas on her website, Dr. Ramani Durvasula. Furthermore, Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, notes, "These discussions highlight the necessity for ongoing dialogue and ethical scrutiny in the field of fertility treatments." Her insights can be explored further at Dr. Helen Fisher.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

While the birth of the 'world's oldest baby' is a source of joy for the Pierces, it also brings to the fore complex ethical considerations. Balancing the psychological needs of couples struggling with infertility, the rights of donors, and the welfare of the resulting children is crucial. As Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, emphasizes, "The emotional landscape of parenthood is complex, and we must consider the implications for all parties involved" (dralexandrasolomon.com). As we continue to push the boundaries of fertility treatments, it's important to keep these considerations at the forefront of the discussion.