A Greek couple has welcomed a baby girl conceived from an embryo frozen for 22 years, marking a new chapter months after the tragic death of their 21-year-old son. Cristina Rapti‑Tzelepi, 54, gave birth to the healthy infant on Wednesday in Athens.
The couple pursued this IVF attempt under a tight deadline, as Greece has a legal age limit of 54 for women undergoing such procedures. Rapti-Tzelepi began the process with only a 2½-month window to secure approval.
"It was stressful, but with inner strength and our doctor and his whole team by our side, we got through every obstacle," Rapti-Tzelepi said. The newborn weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces. The couple has named their daughter Georgia, in honor of their late son, Giorgos, who was also conceived through IVF.
This case involves one of the oldest viable frozen embryos used for pregnancy, with a national record for embryo adoption in the United States reaching over 30 years. The family views the birth as a chance to "give life a second chance" and continue their family's narrative.
Dr. Kostas Pantos, Rapti-Tzelepi’s gynecologist and head of the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine, suggested that Greece's age restrictions for IVF may warrant reconsideration, citing the country's declining birth rate. "The law is very strict: 54 plus one day is not allowed. Maybe it’s time for it to change," Pantos stated, adding that parents should not be denied this right.
Constantinos Raptis, the 60-year-old father, expressed profound gratitude to the medical team for restoring hope. The couple has not ruled out the possibility of having another child, potentially by traveling abroad.
