With much discussion about the high cost of eggs — at least before tariffs made you think about the potential high cost of everything — and with Easter on the horizon (Sunday, April 20), we bring you a different kind of egg story.
More young women than ever are freezing their eggs, a process that may prove to be a boon for employers as well since delaying motherhood can mean uninterrupted years in the workforce.
But a woman’s decision to freeze her eggs at the height of her fertility is not one to be undertaken lightly. For answers to key questions about the how and why, we turned to Kecia Gaither, M.D., MPH, MS, MBA, FACOG, double board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and maternal fetal medicine and director of perinatal services and maternal fetal medicine at New York City Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx.
Dr. Gaither, thank you for your time. Why are more women putting “motherhood on ice,” as YaleNews put it?
“Yes, the trend of women freezing their eggs has been increasing in recent years. Factors accounting for such include:
- Career and education — Many women prioritize their careers and education before starting a family, leading to a desire to preserve fertility for later.
- Delayed childbearing — Social norms have shifted, and it’s now more common for women to marry and have children at older ages.
- Health concerns — Some women may have medical conditions that interfere with fertility, prompting them to freeze eggs preemptively.
- Increased awareness — As awareness of reproductive technologies grows, more women are informed about options of egg freezing.”
What demographic groups are most likely to take advantage of the procedure?
“The most effective time for egg freezing is typically between the ages of 27 and 35, as the quality and quantity of eggs produced declines. While initially the procedure was more common among urban and professional women, the demographic is broadening as awareness grows and with increased access to reproductive technologies.
What are the challenges?
“Egg retrieval procedures can be complex — involving hormonal stimulation, which can lead to side effects and complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Success rates of the procedure vary based on age and health factors.
“While many women can access egg freezing, older women or those with comorbid conditions impacting ovarian function or financial limitations may face barriers.”
So what’s the price tag?
“Costs can range widely from $6,000 to $15,000 per cycle– not including storage fees which can be several hundred dollars annually. Insurance coverage is often limited for the procedure.”
What are the legal ramifications of egg freezing?
“Clinics typically have policies and safeguards in place to ensure that the eggs are confidential and not accessible to anyone without the woman’s consent. Many facilities require written consent for use of the eggs, adding legal protection for the woman.
“Regarding egg disposal, women generally have the right to decide to discard or continue storage of their eggs. Legal regulations vary by country, so it’s important to evaluate the laws surrounding fertility treatments and egg storage in different countries.”
