Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic congresswoman from New York’s 14th district, has publicly revealed that she is undergoing fertility treatment to freeze her eggs, a decision she described as a means to regain control over her life. Through a series of videos shared on social media, Ocasio-Cortez documented the hormone injections involved in the process and engaged with viewers about the procedure, its costs, and the storage of frozen eggs.
The 36-year-old lawmaker, who is engaged to marketing professional Riley Roberts, 38, said she chose to disclose this personal medical decision despite potential political repercussions. She emphasized the importance of normalizing conversations about women’s reproductive health and choices, especially in the current political climate. “There is very strangely a political risk, or a political tax, that comes with sharing this info,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
The congresswoman framed her announcement within the broader context of reproductive rights, sharply critiquing the Trump administration's policies, which she said have restricted access to reproductive care nationwide. She pointed to the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022, a Supreme Court decision largely influenced by judges appointed during former President Donald Trump’s tenure. This ruling ended the federal constitutional right to abortion, enabling states to enforce more restrictive abortion laws.
During his second term, Trump rescinded federal guidelines that had required hospitals to provide emergency abortion care in states where abortion was banned and imposed funding limits on health providers such as Planned Parenthood, effectively reducing abortion access.
Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the importance of leaders openly discussing reproductive health issues to support working women and to promote awareness around bodily autonomy throughout various life stages, ranging from puberty to menopause.
While sharing her fertility journey, Ocasio-Cortez also commented on speculation regarding a potential 2028 presidential bid. Though she affirmed her current focus on securing re-election to Congress in the upcoming midterm elections, she did not dismiss the possibility of running for president. “I haven’t ruled out the possibility and I’m very humbled by the tremendous amount of support out there,” she said in a recent interview.
Ocasio-Cortez’s advocacy on reproductive rights extends beyond public statements. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, she sponsored the Women’s Health Protection Act, aimed at establishing abortion rights through federal law. Additionally, she was arrested during a pro-abortion rights demonstration outside the U.S. Supreme Court.
The fertility preservation procedure Ocasio-Cortez is undergoing involves hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries and increase the yield of quality eggs, which are then extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. The process, which can cost up to $20,000, is growing in popularity as women seek to extend their reproductive options. Ocasio-Cortez described herself as “very privileged” to be able to afford and access such treatment.