AOC shares her egg-freezing journey. Here's what to know about the process.
"This is a choice that I am making to feel more in control of my life," said 36-year-old Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has shared her experience with egg-freezing, stating that she requested the public not to be "weird" about the procedure. The 36-year-old New York representative, who is a potential 2028 presidential candidate, is among tens of thousands of women in the U.S. who have undergone the process to have children in the future.
Following a visit to a fertility clinic and initial tests, the process involves around two weeks of daily hormone injections and regular clinic visits. Next, a trigger shot is administered, followed by the retrieval of eggs under sedation. The eggs are then flash-frozen and stored. Ocasio-Cortez plans to document the experience and answer women's questions.
The cost of egg-freezing is a significant concern for Ocasio-Cortez, with the process costing at least $8,000 and potentially up to $15,000 to $20,000 per cycle. Insurance does not cover any of the expenses. Ocasio-Cortez said her insurance does not contribute to her deductible or cover any costs related to the egg-freezing process.
Ocasio-Cortez's decision to freeze her eggs has sparked debate and speculation about her potential run for president or the U.S. Senate in 2028. However, some women who have undergone the process have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to preserve their fertility. CBS News medical correspondent, Dr. Claire Gounder, emphasized that age at the time of freezing is the most crucial factor in the success rate, with younger women having a higher likelihood of live births.
She also highlighted that older women still face risks during pregnancy, regardless of when they froze their eggs.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.