New York City Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 36, announced on Saturday that she has begun the process of freezing her eggs.
In a video posted to her Instagram stories, Ocasio-Cortez showed herself administering fertility drugs as part of the procedure. She has been in a long-term relationship with her fiancé, Riley Roberts, for over a decade and they became engaged in 2022.
"This is just not something that men deal with," Ocasio-Cortez stated, addressing her followers. "Men run for office, or frankly, they interview for jobs and people don't think in the back of their mind, 'OK this guy's running for office, how old is he? Oh, well is he gonna wanna start a family?'"
She described the decision as one to "feel more in control of my life." Ocasio-Cortez, who was sworn into Congress at age 29, added, "I want you all to see that. And because women can do anything, and I think it's badass that I'm going to be giving myself shots in the green room [as I] get my glam on," she said, referencing an upcoming appearance on ABC's "This Week."
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Ocasio-Cortez has indicated that decisions about starting a family are currently on hold as she considers her future political ambitions. While she has not ruled out running for higher office, including a potential presidential campaign, she stated in an interview with POLITICO last month that she is "focused on winning the midterms. I'm running for Congress right now."
When pressed on the possibility of a presidential run, she told "This Week" host Jonathan Karl that "anything is possible" and she is "very humbled to the tremendous amount of support out there." She also acknowledged the possibility of challenging Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his seat in 2028.
Speaking at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics in May, Ocasio-Cortez addressed speculation about her future aspirations. She stated that her "ambition is way bigger than that. My ambition is to change this country," rather than seeking a specific title or seat.
She outlined a policy agenda that includes goals such as single-payer healthcare, a living wage, workers' rights, and women's rights, describing these as "forever" achievements. "When you aren't attached. When you haven't been like fantasizing about being this or that since the time you were seven years old, it is tremendously liberating," she remarked.
While female members of Congress having children while in office is becoming more common, it remains rare. Republican Representatives Anna Paulina Luna and Kat Cammack of Florida have both had children during their terms. Cammack became the 15th congresswoman in U.S. history to give birth while serving in office after her daughter was born last year. Democratic Representative LaMonica McIver of New Jersey is currently expecting her second child.