Home / Health / AOC Inspires Egg Freezing Trend: Cost Barrier Remains
AOC Inspires Egg Freezing Trend: Cost Barrier Remains
25 Oct
Summary
- Egg freezing cycles have surged dramatically since 2013.
- High costs of living and career ambitions drive fertility preservation.
- Average age of mothers giving birth has increased significantly.
Egg freezing has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past decade. In 2025, Canada reported 2,663 egg retrieval cycles for freezing, a substantial rise from 217 in 2013. The number of stored eggs also jumped from 775 in 2013 to over 22,000 last year. This trend is partly attributed to women delaying childbirth, with the average age of mothers at birth rising to 31.6 in 2022 from 26.7 in 1976.
Experts cite financial pressures, career ambitions, and a lack of partners as key motivations for elective fertility preservation. While figures like U.S. congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are sharing their experiences to normalize the process, the high cost of egg freezing remains a significant barrier. A single cycle can range from $8,000 to $16,000, including medication and a year of storage, with public funding generally not covering elective procedures.
Despite the growing interest, success rates for future pregnancies depend on factors like the number of eggs retrieved and the patient's age at retrieval. Doctors emphasize that delaying the decision can reduce chances of a successful pregnancy. While challenges like geography and inflexible work environments also exist, initial consultations at fertility clinics are recommended for those considering the procedure.
