New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has publicly documented her decision to freeze her eggs, offering her social media followers a candid look at the medical process. The 36-year-old lawmaker shared videos on Instagram of herself administering hormonal injections, referring to her own body as a “pin cushion.” She stated that the choice was an effort to gain more control over her life, adding that she wanted to show her followers that “women can do anything.”
As she navigated the procedure, Ocasio-Cortez faced a wave of criticism from conservative commentators who argue that such choices reflect a broader cultural shift away from traditional family structures. Allie Beth Stuckey, an author and podcaster, criticized the congresswoman on X, claiming she was “glamorizing the lie that women can have it all” and emphasizing that “biology is real.” Similarly, Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, labeled the procedure a “cautionary tale” and suggested that elective fertility preservation contributes to declining birth rates. Rightwing commentator Matt Walsh also weighed in, criticizing the congresswoman’s age and questioning the timing of her decision to potentially have children later in life.
Medical experts, however, have pushed back against the characterization of the procedure as unnecessary or ineffective. Dr. Carrie Bedient, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist in Las Vegas, noted that 36 is not an age where fertility suddenly vanishes, stating that while egg freezing is most effective at 35 or younger, the procedure remains a viable option for women at 36 and beyond. Addressing common criticisms regarding the low usage rates of frozen eggs, Bedient explained that many women choose not to use them because they eventually conceive naturally, viewing the procedure as an insurance policy rather than a guaranteed requirement.
Sidonia Buchtova, a physician assistant and founder of the resource site Freeze.health, emphasized the psychological benefits of the process, noting that it provides women with a sense of security and additional life options. Data supports the idea that women are increasingly having children later in life, with a 2025 study from UCLA Health indicating that the average age for egg freezing is just under 35. Furthermore, the percentage of births to mothers aged 40 to 44 rose by nearly 40% between 2013 and 2023.
The discourse surrounding Ocasio-Cortez’s decision has also highlighted broader political tensions regarding reproductive autonomy. Kari Winter, a professor of global gender and sexuality studies at the University at Buffalo, defended the congresswoman’s choice as “bold and ethical,” noting that similar medical interventions for men are rarely met with such public scrutiny. Meanwhile, some conservative voices, such as Katie Miller, have framed their objections in the language of concern, arguing that women are being misled by feminist narratives that prioritize career advancement over early motherhood.
Financial considerations remain a significant barrier for many, as the procedure is often expensive and frequently not covered by insurance. Ocasio-Cortez reported that her process cost approximately $8,000, with an additional $1,200 annual fee for cryostorage, noting that she is paying for the entire experience out of pocket. Dr. Sarah Berga, chair of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University at Buffalo, suggested that if the United States is truly committed to being a “family-focused country,” fertility preservation services should be made more affordable and accessible to the public.
As predicted, a cohort of conservative critics emerged on social media to bemoan AOC’s personal choice, which challenges their prescriptive vision for American mothers: young, married and uninterested in pursuing a career.
One of Trump’s campaign promises was to “protect” women – “whether the women like it or not”. Since taking office for the second time, his administration has targeted reproductive healthcare, from slashing federal funding for birth control to promoting a CDC head who called “abortion surveillance” a “critical component” of the agency’s agenda. Trump has called himself the “fertilization president”, with high-profile female staffers giving birth during his term, and yet the cost of giving birth in the US remains one of the highest in the world.
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