Greek woman has IVF birth from 22-year-old embryo after losing son
A Greek woman has given birth from an embryo frozen more than 22 years ago, months after her son, born from the same treatment in 2004, died in an accident, her doctor said Wednesday.
A Greek woman, 54-year-old Christina Rapti-Tzelepi, gave birth to a daughter following the transfer of an embryo that had been cryopreserved for over 22 years, state TV ERT reported. This birth came months after her son, born from the same treatment in 2004, tragically died in a road traffic accident at the age of 21, gynecologist Konstantinos Pantos told Facebook.
Rapti-Tzelepi underwent the IVF treatment in December after losing her son, as her doctor emphasized the family's urgent need to see this pregnancy through. Her husband, Konstantinos Raptis, called for the national IVF age limit to be lifted, asserting that older women possess the capacity to provide mature, unconditional love and stability.
Greece has faced a declining birth rate in recent years, with a decrease of more than 2,800 births in 2025 compared to the previous year. However, the number of births to mothers over 40 has increased over the past two decades. The couple currently has nine frozen embryos, but cannot use them under the law, which permits IVF up to the age of 54.
Rapti-Tzelepi urged couples to persist in their efforts despite challenges, emphasizing that the science is safe.
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