Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently revealed she is freezing her eggs, and her candid comments regarding the challenges women face during family planning are resonating with many who have navigated similar paths. The Democratic congresswoman from New York took to Instagram to address the scrutiny surrounding these personal decisions.
“There is so much negative messaging that is directed towards women around our family choices. Period. Kind of no matter what choice you make − if you have kids, when you have kids, whatever,” she stated. Ocasio-Cortez added that the pervasive negativity surrounding a woman’s decision about children is often designed to “put us in a place of fear or insecurity.”
In the comment sections of news outlets sharing her story, the public response has been polarized. While some users have been quick to chime in with criticism, many others have expressed appreciation for her transparency. “It’s sad to read so many negative comments,” one person wrote, while another added, “@aoc is an inspiration to all women who are considering motherhood, but are not ready now.”
Supportive messages have flooded her social media channels, with many users sharing their own experiences. “Thank you for sharing your journey. I did this multiple times and now have two beautiful children. You got this!” one follower commented. Another wrote, “Thank you @aoc for bringing awareness to this process!! It is such a journey that most women have to deal with so alone!”
Her decision arrives at a time when women over 30 and even over 40 are increasingly becoming first-time mothers. While birth rates have generally declined in the United States and globally, fertility rates have actually risen among American women aged 40 and older. According to data released in July 2025, birth rates declined for women ages 15 to 34 between 2023 and 2024, remained unchanged for those 35 to 39, and rose 2% for women ages 40 to 44.
Ocasio-Cortez is part of a growing trend of women utilizing egg freezing as a fertility tool. Danielle Melfi, CEO of the fertility patient advocacy group Resolve, has noted that more women are choosing this path than ever before. “While egg freezing isn’t a guarantee, it does help women feel like they have more time to make some of these decisions,” Melfi explained, though she noted that financial barriers and minor procedural risks remain factors to consider.
Dr. Ilana Ressler, a reproductive endocrinologist at Illume Fertility, attributes the rise in egg freezing to technological advancements, improved insurance coverage, and a societal shift toward starting families later in life. “Egg quantity and quality decline with age no matter how healthy or fit someone is,” Ressler noted. “More women understand that now, and a growing number of them want to do something about it while they still have the option.”
The congresswoman first shared her plans on social media before discussing the move on ABC News’ “This Week” on August 9, where she also addressed questions regarding her political future, including a potential 2028 presidential run. Her personal choice reflects a variety of motivations that many women share, moving beyond simple career planning.
A 2022 survey from the Institute for Family Studies highlighted that among women aged 18 to 55 who desire more children, 44% cited the lack of a suitable partner as a primary barrier, while 36% pointed to affordability and 25% to lifestyle or career goals. However, Dr. Ressler emphasizes that the most common reason she hears is simply about timing and keeping options open.
“If a woman is 33 and isn’t with a partner she wants to raise children with, she doesn’t want a biological clock dictating who she picks or how quickly,” Ressler said. “Some aren’t sure if they ever wish to have children, but don’t want to lose the option to build a family in the future.”
Medical necessity also plays a significant role, with many patients freezing eggs before chemotherapy, radiation, or surgeries for conditions like endometriosis. Others, including some transgender patients, choose the procedure before beginning gender-affirming hormone therapy. For some, the decision follows unexpected medical news, such as a 29-year-old discovering her egg quantity is lower than expected during a routine assessment.
“Other women are in the middle of medical residency, a military deployment, a cross-country move or they know they want three children and they’re starting the process at 36,” Ressler added. “None of these women are avoiding motherhood. They’re protecting the version of it they still hope to achieve in the future.”
9, adding she has not ruled out a 2028 presidential run.
For example, if after a routine fertility assessment, a 29-year-old finds out her egg quantity is lower than expected at her age, she may decide to take action now, Ressler explained.
Contributing: Madeline Mitchell
