The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced many aspects of life, including decisions surrounding family planning. Among the notable trends is a marked increase in women opting to freeze their eggs. This choice, initially spurred by pandemic-related uncertainties, reflects broader shifts in societal attitudes towards fertility preservation.
A personal journey
In the summer of 2020, Shara Seigel found herself at a crossroads. Following a breakup at 35, during the height of the pandemic, she faced not only the emotional toll of separation but also concerns about her future as a mother. The restrictions imposed by the pandemic further complicated her prospects of meeting a new partner.
While navigating her new reality, Seigel encountered an Instagram post from an influencer detailing her egg-freezing journey. This insight transformed a previously daunting and inaccessible option into a viable plan for Seigel, providing her with a sense of control over her reproductive future. Within a month, she embarked on her first cycle of egg freezing, and by December 2020, she had completed a second cycle to increase her chances of success.
Seigel's experience mirrors that of many women globally. Fertility clinics reported a significant rise in egg freezing inquiries and procedures during the pandemic. In the United States, egg freezing retrievals surged by 39% compared to pre-pandemic levels, while in the United Kingdom, enquiries increased by up to 50% in the summer of 2020.
For many women, the pandemic disrupted their timelines for starting a family. Economic uncertainties and health concerns led couples to delay having children, making fertility preservation an attractive option. However, while egg freezing offers hope, it is not without challenges and uncertainties.
The demographics of egg freezing
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, originated in the 1980s as a medical procedure for women undergoing treatments that could harm their fertility. Over the years, it has evolved into an elective option for women wishing to preserve their fertility for non-medical reasons.
The typical candidates for egg freezing are often college-educated, single women in their mid-to-late 30s, predominantly from privileged backgrounds. The cost of the procedure, averaging £7,000 to £8,000 in the UK and $10,000 to $20,000 in the US, renders it accessible mainly to well-paid individuals or those working in certain industries. Some tech companies offer egg freezing as an employment perk, further skewing access towards higher-income, white-collar workers.
Despite the financial barriers, the interest in egg freezing is growing across diverse demographics. Elizabeth King, a fertility coach, notes an increase in interest among women in their late 30s and early 40s, as well as among black and Latina women. This broadening interest reflects the changing societal norms and economic conditions influencing family planning decisions.
Societal and economic influences
The rising trend of older motherhood and technologically-aided pregnancy is driven by multiple factors. Improved access to contraception, better education, and increased labour market participation have provided women with more choices. Conversely, inadequate family policies, such as the lack of state-funded childcare and unaffordable housing, alongside economic uncertainties, compel many women to delay motherhood.
The pandemic further exacerbated these issues. A Pew Research Center study from April 2022 revealed that three-quarters of US daters found it harder to meet potential partners during the pandemic. Remote working, while offering flexibility, also facilitated the logistical aspects of egg freezing for some women.
The psychological and emotional dimensions
The decision to freeze eggs often involves deep introspection. The pandemic prompted many to reassess their life choices and priorities. Psychiatrist Anisha Patel-Dunn observes that the pandemic led to existential questions about life’s meaning and personal goals. For many, egg freezing emerged as a strategy to secure their future fertility amid ongoing uncertainties.
Both Seigel and another egg-freezing candidate, Laura Pommer, found the process physically and emotionally taxing. The regimen of self-administered medications and the associated stress impacted their mental and physical health. Despite these challenges, the sense of security and peace of mind offered by egg freezing made the effort worthwhile.
The role of The Chick Mission, the example of an organisation involved
Organisations such as The Chick Mission play a crucial role in supporting women undergoing egg freezing, particularly those facing financial or medical challenges. The Chick Mission is a non-profit dedicated to ensuring that women diagnosed with cancer can access fertility preservation services. Cancer treatments can often compromise fertility, and The Chick Mission provides financial grants to cover the costs of egg freezing for these women. By doing so, the organisation helps preserve their chances of having biological children in the future.
The Chick Mission's work highlights the importance of equitable access to fertility preservation, aligning with the broader goals of reproductive health and gender equality. Through its advocacy and support initiatives, the organisation aims to reduce the financial barriers that many women face, ensuring that fertility preservation is not just a privilege for the wealthy but a viable option for all.
The trend of egg freezing intersects with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being, emphasises the importance of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. Fertility preservation technologies contribute to this goal by offering reproductive options and reducing stress associated with infertility concerns.
Goal 5, Gender Equality, is also relevant. Egg freezing provides women with greater control over their reproductive choices, enabling them to pursue careers and personal goals without the pressure of a biological clock. However, the financial barriers highlight the need for more equitable access to reproductive health services, aligning with the broader aim of reducing inequalities within and among countries (Goal 10).
The pandemic-induced rise in egg freezing reflects broader societal shifts and economic realities. While initially spurred by COVID-19-related uncertainties, the trend underscores the evolving landscape of family planning and reproductive autonomy. Organisations like The Chick Mission play a vital role in making fertility preservation accessible to a wider range of women, connecting this personal choice to global health and equality goals. As women navigate these choices, the intersection with global health and equality goals highlights the need for continued efforts to make fertility preservation accessible to all.
More information: https://www.thechickmission.org/
Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/@globalsociety_earth