Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York’s 14th congressional district disclosed on social media that she is undergoing egg freezing, describing the decision as one that required time to consider and save for financially. The announcement has highlighted the significant financial barriers associated with the procedure, which remains inaccessible to many women despite growing interest in the practice.
Elective egg freezing has increased in prevalence as women delay motherhood to pursue education and career advancement. According to Dr. Stephanie Kuku, a former gynecologist and senior adviser to the World Health Organization, a single egg freezing cycle in the United States typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000. The overall expense escalates considerably when multiple cycles are necessary, and when factoring in additional costs such as long-term storage and implantation procedures. FertilityIQ, a fertility data platform, reports an average cost of approximately $16,000 per cycle, with significant variation depending on geographic location.
Insurance coverage remains limited, with most women bearing the full cost out of pocket. Health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplace do not mandate coverage for elective egg freezing, and no states provide this coverage through Medicaid. Growth in employer-sponsored benefits has occurred, with approximately 22% of companies employing 500 or more workers offering elective egg freezing coverage in 2025, compared to 5% in 2015. Among larger employers with over 5,000 employees, 40% provided the benefit last year, up from 8% a decade earlier. However, maximum lifetime benefits through employer plans typically cap at around $20,000.
Additional financial considerations extend beyond the initial procedure. Women must account for ongoing storage fees, which can reach $5,500 for five years of storage in New York City alone. If the frozen eggs are subsequently used, further costs accrue for thawing and implantation. Tax implications also apply, particularly when employers cover elective egg freezing, as this benefit amount typically counts as earned income subject to taxation, potentially generating substantial additional liability.
Experts emphasize that the high cost creates a disparity in access to reproductive choice. Natalie Lampert, author of “The Big Freeze,” notes that while egg freezing provides women with expanded reproductive options, that choice remains disproportionately available to those with financial resources or comprehensive fertility benefits. In contrast, France covers elective egg freezing through its public health insurance system.
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