The African Fertility Center in Morocco has announced what it describes as an unprecedented medical achievement: the successful pregnancy of a Moroccan patient using an embryo frozen for over 16 years.
This event marks a first in the history of reproductive medicine in the country. According to an official statement from the center, located in Casablanca, the 40-year-old patient underwent embryo transfer in early 2025, after the embryo had been frozen in 2009 during a successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) session, which resulted in the birth of her first child.
Professor Omar Safrioui, the medical director of the center and a specialist in IVF, stated, “This pregnancy serves as a living proof of the efficacy of the vitrification technique we utilize, as it has maintained the quality of the embryo without any degradation over more than 16 years.”
### Details of the Medical Procedure
The story begins in 2009 when the patient sought assistance from the African Fertility Center due to difficulties in conceiving. An IVF session resulted in several embryos at the third-day stage (J3). One of these embryos led to the birth of her son, now 16 years old, while the remaining embryos were frozen for future use.
After years of waiting, the patient decided in 2025 to expand her family. The frozen embryo was thawed, developed to the blastocyst stage (J5) for enhanced quality, and then transferred to the uterus.
Safrioui highlighted that the procedure was entirely successful, noting that only one embryo was transferred to avoid the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. He also mentioned that the patient is currently in an advanced stage of pregnancy and is in stable health. “This is not just a medical success, but a message of hope for all couples facing fertility issues in Morocco, where the infertility rate affects 12% of couples.”
### However, It Is Not a World Record!
This achievement comes at a time when fertility technologies are witnessing remarkable advancements globally. For instance, a child was born in the United States from an embryo frozen for 31 years in July 2025, setting a world record. Nevertheless, this Moroccan achievement highlights local progress in the field, particularly with the adoption of advanced techniques such as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and long-term gamete storage.
In Morocco, thousands of couples face fertility challenges annually due to environmental and health factors. As awareness rises regarding the importance of preserving fertility—especially among women delaying childbirth for professional reasons—this event is expected to open new avenues for thousands of Moroccan families. The question remains: will this achievement mark the beginning of a series of medical successes in a country striving for leadership in reproductive health?
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