Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, amidst a flurry of presidential run rumors, says she's freezing her eggs.
In multiple videos shared to her social media, the New York representative has shown what those can expect if they embark on the same egg freezing process, step-by-step. And she says that sharing her journey is important.
Here's what to know.
What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing is the process retreiving eggs until a person is ready to use them. The eggs are frozen and stored in an effort to preserve fertility later on down the line.
Why is AOC freezing her eggs?
The 36-year-old congresswoman says that she's freezing her eggs "to feel more in control of my life."
“There is very strangely a political risk, or a political tax, that comes with sharing this info,” she said.
Ocasio-Cortez does
not currently have children, and has been engaged since 2022.
Why AOC says she's sharing her journey
In an interview with ABC News' “This Week," she said that “In this political environment, where this administration is denying reproductive care to women across the country, from abortion rights to the ability to carry out a healthy pregnancy, I think it’s important for us as leaders to have these conversations."
She had uploaded multiple videos walking through the process, from filming herself administering shots or answering viewer questions.
AOC still weighing presidential run
In the same interview on Sunday, AOC said she hadn't "ruled out the possibility" of a presidential run. When asked about a possible Senate run for Chuck Schumer's seat, the congresswoman stated that “anything is possible at this juncture.”
“I think that we have a responsibility to remain focused on the midterms and not on our individual aspirations or plans.”
The statements come as Ocasio-Cortez has jumped higher in potential presidential candidate polls.
According to a July 22 Granite State Poll, a States of Opinion Project conducted by the University of New Hampshire, AOC just passed former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for prospective Democrat candidates in the New Hampshire presidential primary amongst 648 likely voters.
Other polls have also shown that she is one of the leading contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination, too. In a new poll by Emerson College this month, Buttigieg took the number one spot, whilst California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and Ocasio-Cortez were trailing just behind him.
In a recent interview, Vice President JD Vance, who is considered one of the potential frontrunners for the Republican nomination in 2028, said he thought she would be the leading candidate for the Democratic Party next election. In response to Vance's answer, AOC told reporters she hopes he is a nominee, too.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to know on AOC freezing her eggs
