Tina and Benjamin Gibson finally welcomed their baby girl Emma into the world in November 2017. And even though Tina was just 25-years-old when her daughter was born, Emma’s birth was 24 years in the making.
“Do you realize I’m only 25?” Gibson asked CNN. “This embryo and I could have been best friends.”
Confused? Let us explain…
Tina and Benjamin have been married for seven years and thought they would never have children since Benjamin has cystic fibrosis which can result in infertility. They had a few foster children but eventually decided on embryo adoption. This is when a couple donates their frozen embryos to others who are trying to have children through in vitro fertilization.
So, they went to the National Embryo Donation Center (NEDC) in Knoxville, Tennessee and received an embryo that was 24-years-old.
“People say, ‘oh it’s science,’ but no I think it’s a gift from the Lord. It’s a gift from the Lord, for sure,” Tina told WBIR. “”I just couldn’t believe it that I was carrying a baby. It was just something we didn’t think would be possible to have that right in front of me and to make it tangible this year. It’s just amazing.”
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Preston Medical Library say that baby Emma holds the all-time record for the longest-frozen embryo to come to birth.
“I just wanted a baby. I don’t care if it’s a world record or not,” Tina said.
Benjamin says he is also extremely proud to finally be a dad.
“Emma is such a sweet miracle,” Benjamin said. “I think she looks pretty perfect to have been frozen all those years ago.”
Emma, who was born at 6 lbs. and 8 0z. and 20 inches long, was frozen on Oct. 14, 1992 and thawed by NEDC lab director Carol Sommerfelt on March 13, 2017. Dr. Jeffrey Keenan transferred the frozen embryo to Tina.
“The NEDC has been privileged to work with the Gibsons to help them realize their dreams of becoming parents,” Keenan said. “We hope this story is a clarion call to all couples who have embryos in long-term storage to consider this life-affirming option for their embryos.”
Sommerfelt says she finds it rewarding to know that embryos aren’t going to waste.
“In that respect, it’s like we are frozen in time here and bringing forth life after being in that time capsule,” Sommerfelt said.
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