US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 36, announced on Sunday that she is freezing her eggs. She has been documenting the process on Instagram, including injecting hormonal medications.
The decision has prompted discussion, with some conservative commentators criticising her choice. However, doctors have stated that concerns about her age in relation to the procedure's effectiveness are not fact-based.
Dr Carrie Bedient, a reproductive endocrinologist, noted that while egg freezing is most effective at 35 or younger, fertility does not significantly decline immediately after this age. She would welcome women freezing eggs at 36, 37, or 38, as earlier is generally better.
A 2025 UCLA Health study indicated the average age women freeze their eggs is just under 35. The study, the largest on elective fertility preservation, also found that between 2014 and 2021, only 6% of individuals who froze their eggs used them for IVF within seven years. This low usage rate is partly because many women either decide not to use them or become pregnant naturally.
Sidonia Buchtova, founder of Freeze.health, highlighted that egg freezing can offer women peace of mind, more options, and improved mental health. One study found that 89% of respondents were happy they froze their eggs, even if they did not use them.