Greek woman, 54, gives birth after using embryo frozen for 22 years

A Greek woman has given birth aged 54, beating a government deadline to use one of her embryos, which had been frozen for 22 years.

Cristina Rapti-Tzelepi, and her husband Constantinos Raptis, 60, made the decision to pursue another child using her frozen embryo, months after their 21-year-old son, Giorgos, died in a road crash last October.

The couple was up against Greece's 54-year age limit for women to complete in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures and they had to secure approval from a national authority.

"I only had a two-and-a-half-month window," Ms Rapti-Tzelepi said.

"It was stressful, but with inner strength and our doctor and his whole team by our side, we got through every obstacle."

Ms Rapti-Tzelepi gave birth on Wednesday in Athens to a girl who weighed in at 3.49kg (7lb, 11oz).

They named her Georgia in honour of their late son, who was also born via IVF.

"We decided to give life a second chance, to make a new start, bring new life into our home and keep our family's story going," she said.

"My wish for her is to grow up healthy and happy, full of joy like our first child, who filled our home with laughter."

Georgia was born using Ms Rapti-Tzelepi's embryo, which had been frozen more than 22 years ago - an unusually long time for a frozen fertilised egg to be used to produce a pregnancy.

Last year, through a process known as "embryo adoption", an Ohio couple welcomed a baby boy developed from an embryo frozen for more than 30 years - a milestone recognised by Guinness World Records.

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Kostas Pantos, Ms Rapti-Tzelepi's gynaecologist and head of the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine, argued that Greece's age restrictions on IVF procedures warrant review, noting 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," said Dr Pantos.

"I think it's a right (parents) should not be deprived of."

Mr Raptis said he was deeply grateful to the doctor for restoring hope to his family.

"He took us by the hand and pulled us out of our deepest darkness," he said.

"We escaped from that darkness, and I believe we have a lot to live for now."

The couple also haven't ruled out trying for another child - possibly by travelling abroad.

(c) Sky News 2026: Greek woman, 54, gives birth after using embryo frozen for 22 years