Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announces decision to freeze her eggs, plans to share process online

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 36-year-old congresswoman from New York, has announced her decision to freeze her eggs, vowing to share the fertility treatment process publicly through Instagram stories. She described the choice as a way to "feel more in control of my life."

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This is a choice that I am making to feel more in control of my life.

Ocasio-Cortez explained that she had been saving for the procedure for a long time, noting a general lack of information available to women regarding fertility treatments. She emphasized that women are often not adequately educated about their bodies and life stages, from puberty to menopause.

The congresswoman acknowledged the challenge of balancing fertility treatment with her demanding role as a lawmaker. She shared her intention to administer her own injections, even before interviews, to demonstrate that women can manage personal health needs alongside significant professional responsibilities. "Women can do anything," she stated, adding that she plans to "get my glam on, roll out, talk international events, domestic policy, elections, pop out, live my life, do my thing."

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As women in general, we are not taught about our bodies, we are not prepared for our own lives, whether that is in puberty, whether that is in pregnancy, whether that is in perimenopause, menopause, whether that is in so many different aspects of our lives.

During a subsequent ABC interview, Ocasio-Cortez linked her personal decision to the broader political context, particularly concerning reproductive healthcare access. She argued that in an environment where reproductive care is being restricted, it is crucial for leaders to openly discuss and normalize such processes, especially for working women.

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I want you all to see that. Because women can do anything. And I think it’s badass that I’m gonna be giving myself shots in the green room, get my glam on, roll out, talk international events, domestic policy, elections, pop out, live my life, do my thing.

Her announcement received praise from figures like Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, who expressed gratitude for Ocasio-Cortez's honesty and vulnerability. Democratic strategist Xochitl Hinojosa echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of discussing egg freezing and the challenges women face in starting families.

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In this political environment where this administration is denying reproductive care to women across the country, from abortion rights to the ability to carry out a healthy pregnancy, I think it’s important for us as leaders to have these conversations and share these processes, especially for working women across the country and normalize them.