54-year-old Greek woman gives birth to child after 22-year-old egg cell

Greek woman Cristina Rapti-Tzelepi and her husband experienced a tragedy in October - their then 21-year-old son died in a traffic accident. A few months later, the couple decided to use a fertilized egg frozen 22 years ago to have another child.

The two of them had to be quick: Rapti-Tzelepi was about to turn 54 and thus reach the end of a deadline to legally undergo artificial insemination in Greece.

“I only had a two-and-a-half month window,” Rapti-Tzelepi said. “It was stressful, but with inner strength and our doctor and his entire team by our side, we overcame every obstacle.”

On Wednesday last week, Rapti-Tzelepi, now 54, celebrated the birth of her second child - she gave birth to a girl in Athens. Their daughter weighed 3,490 grams. The parents' joy was visible on Friday as they sat in a hospital room decorated with pink balloons and flowers.

“We decided to give life a second chance, to have a fresh start, to bring new life into our home and to keep our family’s story going,” said Rapti-Tzelepi. “My wish for her is that she grows up healthy and happy, full of joy like our first child who filled our home with laughter.”

The frozen fertilized egg that gave birth to her daughter was 22 years old, making her unusually old. But last year in the US state of Ohio, a boy was born using a fertilized egg that was frozen more than 30 years ago.

Rapti-Tzelepi gynecologist Kostas Pantos called for a revision of Greek law on artificial insemination, citing the sharp decline in the country's birth rate. “The law is very strict: 54 plus one day is not allowed,” he said. "Maybe it's time for it to change. I think it's a right that shouldn't be taken away from parents."

The girl's 60-year-old father, Constantinos Raptis, said he was deeply grateful that the doctor had given his family hope again. “He took us by the hand and pulled us out of our deepest darkness,” Raptis said. “We have escaped that darkness and I believe we now have much to live for.”

The girl was named Georgia in honor of her late brother Giorgos. Giorgos was also born using artificial insemination. The children's parents did not rule out another attempt to have a child - they might go abroad to do so.