BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- A woman in Spain has given birth to a baby from an embryo implanted after 13 years in a freezer, the longest storage period so far.
The embryo was one of six surplus from a couple who were successful in having a child through in vitro fertilization, The Times of London reported. The embryo was adopted through Instituto Marques, a Barcelona fertility clinic, by the unnamed mother.
In 2003, embryos frozen for 12 years were implanted in an Israeli woman who gave birth to twins.
Experts are unsure how long an embryo can be stored and still develop into a healthy baby. Some researchers say it is possible embryos could be frozen for centuries.
The disposition of surplus embryos is one of the most controversial aspects of in vitro fertilization. Some European countries limit the number of embryos that can be produced as part of the process.
