Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Announces Egg-Freezing Procedure Amid Conservative Criticism

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez disclosed on Sunday that she is undergoing elective egg-freezing, posting videos of hormone injections on Instagram. The 36-year-old lawmaker said the choice gives her greater control over her future and aims to demonstrate that women can pursue both career and family options.

Conservative commentators quickly responded, with podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey describing the decision as “glamorizing the lie that women can have it all,” and Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet linking egg-freezing to declining fertility rates. Other right-leaning voices questioned Ocasio-Cortez’s age, suggesting it could lead to a “geriatric pregnancy.”

Medical experts said the criticism is not supported by data. Dr. Carrie Bedient, a reproductive endocrinologist, noted that while success rates are highest before age 35, freezing eggs at 36 remains viable and is preferable to later ages. A 2025 UCLA Health study found the average age of egg-freezing is just under 35, and only 6% of frozen eggs are used within seven years, often because many women conceive naturally.

Physician assistant Sidonia Buchtova, founder of Freeze.health, emphasized the psychological benefits, stating that the procedure offers “peace of mind” and expands reproductive options. Studies show low regret rates, with 89% of participants reporting satisfaction even if they never use the eggs.

Ocasio-Cortez said she wants to normalize the process for working women and highlighted the lack of insurance coverage, noting she will pay roughly $8,000 for the procedure and $1,200 annually for storage. The average cost nationwide is about $16,000.

The episode reflects broader debates over reproductive health policy, with some critics framing the choice as contrary to pronatalist ideals, while supporters view it as an exercise of personal autonomy.