The Rise of Egg Freezing: Empowering Women and Shaping the Future

Introduction

Before an appointment with a nurse, Sarah Wilson’s knowledge about egg freezing was learned from Hollywood movies “where they just put everything in the freezer” and Facebook ads for private clinics, which she describes as “misinformation.”

But the topic has become common among the 32-year-old’s friends, who see it as an insurance policy. “To give us as many options as possible,” Wilson explained.

Egg Freezing as a Workplace Benefit

The egg freezing process was paid for by Wilson’s employer, Okta, the digital identity specialist, as part of its policy that covers up to $5,000 of expenses related to fertility treatment and adoption. “My mom was a little shocked [away] that my workplace offered it to me,” he admitted.

Egg freezing cycles are one of the fastest growing treatments in the UK, with a significant increase seen over the past decade. According to the UK Human Fertilization and Embryo Authority (HFEA), the number of egg freezing cycles in 2021 was 11 times higher than in 2011. While still a small proportion (4 percent) of fertility treatments, this upward trend indicates a growing demand and acceptance of egg freezing as a viable option.

Okta is one of the rapidly growing companies offering egg freezing as part of a suite of reproductive benefits for staff. In the United States, the adoption of egg freezing as a workplace benefit has also been on the rise. Consulting firm Mercer reports that 16 percent of US companies with 500 or more employees offered egg freezing in 2022, up from 11 percent two years earlier. Moreover, more than a quarter of the largest employers, with 5,000 or more employees, provided this benefit. This shift in corporate policies reflects a recognition of the changing needs and desires of employees.

Initially, egg freezing as a workplace benefit garnered criticism, with companies like Apple and Facebook facing backlash for their perceived encouragement of delaying motherhood in favor of career advancement. However, a study published in AJOB Empirical Bioethics in 2020 concluded that these benefits did not pressure women to postpone childbearing. Instead, women cited reasons such as not having a partner or wanting to fulfill their social and professional goals before becoming parents. This shift in perspective reflects a societal trend toward more open discussions around reproductive struggles and individual choices.

The Generational Shift and Changing Attitudes

The increasing acceptance of egg freezing as a workplace benefit is indicative of a generational shift in attitudes. Millennials and Generation Z have come to expect coverage for fertility-related services, viewing them as essential components of comprehensive healthcare plans. Platforms like Reddit serve as spaces for individuals to share their fertility stories and express regret over not considering egg freezing at a younger age. This growing openness and dialogue contribute to an increased awareness of reproductive options and a willingness to seek them out.

The workplace itself has also evolved in terms of accommodating fertility-related issues. Companies are establishing new positions, such as fertility officers, to provide support and guidance to employees facing challenges in conceiving, dealing with miscarriages, or navigating pregnancy and family leaves. The recognition of these issues and the implementation of supportive measures signal a changing landscape in which employees’ personal lives are considered important and worthy of attention and care.

The Benefits and Considerations of Egg Freezing

Offering egg freezing as a workplace benefit has numerous advantages for both employees and employers. Here are some key benefits:

• Financial Support: The costs of private egg freezing treatments can be a significant barrier for many individuals. By covering these expenses, employers alleviate the financial burden and make the procedure more accessible.
• Empowerment and Control: Egg freezing provides individuals with the opportunity to take control of their reproductive choices and extend their fertility window. It offers peace of mind and reduces the pressure to start a family at a specific age.
• Flexibility in Family Planning: By offering egg freezing, employers support employees in achieving their personal and professional goals without compromising their desire to have children in the future. It allows individuals to prioritize their careers while preserving the option to have a family later on.
• Talent Retention and Attraction: By providing comprehensive reproductive benefits, companies can attract and retain top talent. This progressive approach to employee well-being and work-life balance sets them apart from competitors.

However, it is essential to approach the offering of egg freezing as a workplace benefit thoughtfully and delicately to avoid any unintended consequences or misinterpretations. The Journal of Applied Psychology highlighted the potential pitfalls of using egg freezing purely as a recruiting tactic. The study recommends careful communication to strike a balance between acknowledging employees’ desire for personal and professional growth while ensuring that the benefit is not perceived as a subtle push to prioritize work over personal life.

In addition to considering the benefits, it is crucial to acknowledge that egg freezing is not a foolproof solution and that success rates vary. According to the HFEA, the birth rate for women using their own frozen eggs is approximately 18 percent. This statistic underscores the importance of managing realistic expectations and understanding that egg freezing is not a guarantee of future pregnancy.

The Influence of Aggressive Marketing and Misinformation

While egg freezing as a workplace benefit provides invaluable support, it is also important to be aware of the influence of aggressive marketing strategies by IVF clinics, egg banks, and independent clinics. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnobiology, these tactics can create inflated hopes and unrealistic expectations among women considering egg freezing. It is crucial for individuals to approach the process with informed decision-making and rely on reliable sources of information.

Conclusion

The rise of egg freezing as a workplace benefit reflects a shift in societal attitudes toward reproductive health and individual choices. Offering this option empowers individuals to take control of their fertility and provides them with flexibility in family planning. However, it is important for employers to approach the offering of egg freezing with sensitivity, ensuring clear communication and realistic expectations. As the demand for comprehensive reproductive benefits grows, it is essential to distinguish between reputable sources of information and aggressive marketing tactics. By providing support, guidance, and access to accurate information, companies can play a significant role in helping individuals make informed decisions about their reproductive future.

Summary: The popularity of egg freezing as a workplace benefit is increasing rapidly, with companies recognizing the changing needs and desires of employees. Offering egg freezing as part of a suite of reproductive benefits empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their fertility and provides financial support to overcome barriers. This shift is indicative of a generational change, with Millennials and Generation Z expecting coverage for fertility-related services. However, it is crucial to approach this benefit carefully to avoid misinterpretations and inflated hopes. Clear communication, realistic expectations, and access to reliable information are paramount in supporting individuals in their reproductive journeys.

Before an appointment with a nurse, Sarah Wilson’s knowledge about egg freezing was learned from Hollywood movies “where they just put everything in the freezer” and Facebook ads for private clinics, which she describes as “misinformation.” .

But the topic has become common among the 32-year-old’s friends, who see it as an insurance policy. “To give us as many options as possible,” Wilson explained.

The egg freezing process was paid for by Wilson’s employer, Okta, the digital identity specialist, as part of its policy that covers up to $5,000 of expenses related to fertility treatment and adoption. “My mom was a little shocked. [away] that my workplace offered it to me,” he admitted.

Egg freezing cycles are one of the fastest growing treatments in the UK. according to the UK Human Fertilization and Embryo Authority (HFEA), which estimates that there were 11 times more egg freezing cycles in 2021 (4,215) than in 2011 (373). Although this is still a small proportion (4 percent) of fertility treatments.

Okta is one of the rapidly growing companies offering egg freezing as part of a suite of reproductive benefits for staff. Consulting firm Mercer says that in 2022, 16 percent of U.S. companies with 500 or more employees offered it, up from 11 percent two years earlier. More than a quarter of the largest employers, with 5,000 or more employees, provided it. Last year, law firm Cooley announced a “fertility and family building benefit” worth up to £45,000, including in vitro fertilization, adoption services and egg freezing. The American bank Goldman Sachs offers up to $20,000 under its Pathways to Parenthood plan.

Big tech companies were among the first to include egg freezing as a benefit in 2014. Then, companies like Apple and Facebook came under fire for dystopian benefits that encouraged women to put their babies on hold so they could spend their later years fertile to their careers. But a United States study of 2020 in AJOB Empirical Bioethics concluded that such offers did not pressure women to delay childbearing; women generally cited not having a partner, or the desire to achieve their social and professional goals first, to delay parenthood.

Investigation of the Journal of Applied Psychology warned that, as a recruiting tactic, offering egg freezing could be counterproductive if interpreted incorrectly. He advised employers to communicate the benefit carefully, so as not to appear to be a “nudge toward sacrificing personal life,” while also ensuring employees could access it. Employers could avoid announcing it to potential employees, for example.

Wilson’s enthusiasm for the benefit indicates a possible generational shift in attitudes. Kate Ryder, CEO of virtual fertility service Maven Clinic, says that “millennials and Generation Z [expect] some level of coverage.” In part, this is due to a more open debate about reproductive struggles. “You can see this on Reddit threads,” Ryder says. “When people tell their fertility stories: ‘Oh, I’m 39 and I wish someone had told me to freeze my eggs when I was 32 because I don’t have as many eggs now.'”

There are also changes in attitudes in the workplace towards issues that were previously private. Last year, UK family law firm Burgess Mee introduced a new role – fertility officer – to help employees navigate work while dealing with fertility-related issues – problems conceiving, miscarriages , as well as pregnancies and family leaves. Natalie Sutherland, the partner appointed to the position, says: “If we are open [we] can make the change [and find] ways to improve it.”

Professor Geeta Nargund, medical director at Create Fertility, a City of London-based clinic, argues that offering egg freezing as a workplace benefit helps younger employees who would otherwise struggle. afford it. “The costs of private treatment can act as a barrier.” Encouraging women to freeze their eggs when they are younger improves their “chances for success later in life,” she says.

But the increase in awareness (and demand) has also been conformed by “aggressive marketing strategies by IVF clinics, egg banks and independent clinics,” according to a study in the Journal of Ethnobiology, which states[advertising]Freezing women’s eggs as a “fertility insurance policy” increases their hopes “beyond reason.”

Ryder says layoffs at tech companies have spurred some employees to investigate the possibility of freezing their eggs while they still have access to the benefit. Lockdowns also prompted assessments of life priorities while, for some, keeping their love lives on hold.

She agrees that private clinics and Instagram advertising can give false hope, but notes that the most popular aspect of benefit is to research the process and speak to a specialist. Among members exploring egg freezing, the majority (nearly 70 percent) turn to Maven for more information.

Despite the photos of beautiful babies in Instagram advertising, Nargund says that “egg freezing is not a miracle solution. . . “Success cannot be guaranteed.” The HFEA reports that the birth rate for women using their own eggs is approximately 18 percent.

Wilson is relatively optimistic. “I’m not trying to hide the fact that I want to have children at some point. “This is an insurance policy, but it may not work.”