AOC Opens Up About Her Personal Decision to Freeze Eggs Amid Political Speculation - and the Financial Struggle Behind It All

In a candid move, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has broken the silence about her decision to freeze her eggs, revealing not only her personal reasons but also the staggering financial burden that comes with it. The New York City congresswoman, 36, took to Instagram Stories last weekend to address the elephant in the room - the cost. "Let's talk about the elephant in the room," she began, "this whole process is not cheap. I wanted to be upfront and transparent about it because it's something that many women face when considering this option." Ocasio-Cortez went on to explain that her insurance doesn't cover a single penny of the procedure, leaving her with an estimated cost ranging from $8,000 to $9,000 out of pocket. The cost varies depending on factors such as clinic type, location, medication needed, and insurance coverage for those lucky enough to have it. "The grand total for me will be somewhere between $8,000 and $9,000," she said, "and I'm going to a clinic in New York City that specifically offers options for women who don't have insurance coverage." The Democratic representative made headlines over the weekend when she announced her decision to freeze her eggs amid ongoing speculation about her potential presidential bid. She used the platform to normalize these conversations, especially in light of current political and reproductive care issues facing women across the country. "I think it's important for us as leaders to have these conversations and share these processes," she said on ABC's This Week, "especially for working women across the country who may be facing similar decisions." The United States is the only industrialized nation that doesn't mandate paid family leave, according to the Pew Research Center. The country also has the worst maternal mortality rate of any developed nation, a rate that has risen since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. states with restricted or banned access to abortion have higher and rising rates of maternal and infant death, according to various studies. Intensive investigative reporting has suggested that at least 12 pregnant women have died since Roe v Wade was overturned. Ocasio-Cortez's personal decision and openness about the costs involved serve as a reminder of the challenges women face in America when it comes to reproductive care and rights. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly.