Incredible Journey of Parenthood
Did you ever think that modern medicine could allow a woman to give birth to an embryo nearly as old as herself? Well, that’s precisely what happened when Tina Gibson, born in 1991, gave birth to a healthy baby girl from an embryo frozen in 1992.
Frozen Embryo Brings Joy
Tina Gibson and her husband Benjamin from Tennessee had been married for over five years but had trouble conceiving naturally due to Benjamin’s cystic fibrosis. They were fostering children and considering adoption when a frozen embryo changed their lives.
Emma Wren Gibson was born on November 25, 2017, weighing 6 pounds and 8 ounces. Born healthy, her case was unique as she was conceived from an embryo frozen in 1992.
Hesitation and Hope
Initially, the couple was hesitant to consider using a frozen embryo until Tina’s father suggested the idea. “I wasn’t interested at first, knee-deep in foster care. But the thought kept playing in my mind,” shared Tina. Surprisingly, Benjamin had similar thoughts. Together, they researched the procedure and discovered the National Embryo Donation Center in Knoxville.
After filling out an application on a whim, they began their journey towards embryo adoption.
Medical and Home Evaluation
They underwent months of medical testing and a thorough home study similar to traditional adoption processes. A state worker visited their home to ensure it was suitable for a new baby. Mark Mellinger, the marketing and development director at NEDC, explained that rarely does a home review find serious issues.
After approval, they reviewed around 300 profiles of possible embryos, finally choosing the one that would become Emma.
Unknown Embryo Age
Emma’s embryo was presumed to be from 1992, but it’s impossible to know for sure. Dr. Zaher Merhi from New Hope Fertility Center pointed out that American clinics are not required to report the age of embryos, so exact records often don’t exist.
Joy and Gratitude
Benjamin, despite not sharing genes with Emma, fell in love with her immediately. Tina expressed immense gratitude and felt blessed to receive such a precious gift. While they had initially considered adoption, this path brought them joy.
The National Embryo Donation Center
The NEDC, founded in 2003, is a faith-based organization focused on the sanctity and dignity of human embryos. They facilitate embryo donations and adoptions, often working with embryos stored for months or even decades. Couples pay around $12,500 for the chance to adopt an embryo.
Other Paths to Parenthood
For those struggling with fertility, there are various paths to parenthood. Fostering, surrogacy, and traditional adoption offer alternative routes. Foster care can provide a loving home for children in need, and the government helps with associated costs. Surrogacy involves a selected woman carrying and delivering a baby for the hopeful parents. Adoption allows families to offer a better life to children in need across the world.
Boosting Fertility
For those keen on having a biological child, there are steps to boost fertility, but it’s important to remember that becoming a parent through non-traditional methods is a unique and emotional journey. Support from loved ones and others who have had similar experiences can be invaluable.
Every path to parenthood is special, whether it involves adopting an embryo, fostering, surrogacy, or traditional adoption. Each journey has its challenges and rewards, bringing joy and fulfillment in unexpected ways.
