World's 'Oldest' Baby Thriving at 31 Years Young

An Ohio couple's remarkable journey to parenthood culminates in a new world record, as they welcome a son born from a 31-year-old embryo.

Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, a newborn boy from Ohio, has officially entered the record books as the world's "oldest" baby, a title he earned even before his birth. Born to Lindsey Pierce, 35, and her husband Tim, 34, on July 26, Thaddeus's story is anything but typical. His journey began over three decades ago, in May 1994, when he was created as an embryo through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

The embryo was originally conceived by Linda Archerd, now 62, and her then-husband, who were also undergoing IVF treatment. After a successful pregnancy resulted in a daughter, now 30 years old, they had three remaining embryos frozen. Following their divorce, Linda chose not to discard the embryos or donate them for scientific research. Instead, she sought an "embryo adoption" program, which connected her with Lindsey and Tim, a Christian couple who had been trying to conceive for seven years.

The adoption was facilitated through Nightlight Christian Adoptions' Snowflakes program, which helps match embryo donors with prospective parents. According to reports from MIT Technology Review, Thaddeus's embryo was one of two transferred to Lindsey's uterus in November 2024. Despite the age of the embryo, which was preserved using an older "slow-freezing" method, it survived the thawing process and successfully developed.

The couple and the clinic, Rejoice Fertility Clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee, founded by Dr. John Gordon, were aware they were on the verge of a record-breaking birth. Dr. Gordon is a vocal advocate for embryo adoption, believing every embryo deserves a chance at life. The previous record was held by twins born in 2022 from embryos frozen for 30 years.

Thaddeus's birth has garnered global attention, and the family has been sharing their remarkable story. On August 20, the new parents appeared on ITV's This Morning to discuss their journey. Lindsey and Tim, who were just toddlers when Thaddeus was conceived, explained that their faith played a significant role in their decision. They consider Thaddeus to be 31 years old, as their Catholic beliefs hold that life begins at conception. The parents have also shared that Thaddeus, whose name means "gift from God," looks strikingly similar to his 30-year-old biological sister when she was a baby.

Despite a "rough birth," Lindsey has confirmed that both she and baby Thaddeus are doing well. The family remains overwhelmed by the miracle of their new son, who they describe as "precious" and "so chill."