When Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently announced on social media that she was freezing her eggs, she called attention to the cost of the procedure. The decision had taken time, the Democratic representative for New York's 14th congressional district said in an Instagram story, "to consider, weigh and save up for."
So-called elective egg freezing has become more common as women delay motherhood to focus on their education and careers, studies show. Ocasio-Cortez, who is 36, recently said on ABC's "This Week" that she hasn't ruled out a future presidential and U.S. Senate campaign.
However, the expense of egg freezing — compounded by a widespread lack of insurance coverage — remains an obstacle for many women.
"A single egg freezing cycle in the United States typically costs $10,000 to $20,000," said Dr. Stephanie Kuku, a former gynecologist and senior adviser to the World Health Organization. The total tab can be much higher if multiple cycles are needed, and after factoring in additional costs such as storage and implantation.
