Managing Fertility in an anti-IVF-climate

Guest Post by Yusra Shah

As a 30-year-old South Asian woman, I’ve faced societal and family pressure to get married and have children. Various (supposed) well-wishers have reminded me that my biological clock is ticking. While unsure if I want to have children, I have not completely ruled out the possibility. When I heard that my workplace benefits include significant discounts for the egg-freezing process, I decided to consider it. 

I met with an obstetrician/gynecologist who walked me through the process and then decided to proceed. For approximately 10-12 days, I injected medications into the subcutaneous fat in my lower abdomen, which was mostly pain-free. At the beginning of the process, this included 2 medications nightly, and by the 3rd day, I added a second injection in the morning to prevent ovulation. I had little to no side effects other than some injection site reactions on 2 occasions (no pain, just some red bumps that went away fairly quickly). I couldn’t exercise after day 3 because of the risk of ovarian torsion (a painful condition that occurs when one of your ovaries twists on itself, which requires urgent surgery). I did experience significant bloating, which to me was not very bothersome. I did not have any mood–related issues. The procedure itself is quick (lasting no more than 5-15 minutes) and is done under general anesthesia - the anesthesiologist gave me ketamine, fentanyl, and propofol. I had some continued bloating for several days after the procedure, but this eventually resolved. By the time I got my next period, I was able to exercise again. 

Overall, I was happy with the process and had a good experience. I no longer feel internal pressure to have children as soon as possible, and it feels as though I’ve given myself the time and opportunity to decide at my own pace, after a discussion with my partner. 

In my mind, this whole process has brought to light the rules and regulations governing these choices. In February 2024, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law, which may have implications for fertility treatment, including egg freezing and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). To me, this is disturbing and an infringement upon reproductive rights, which are already under attack in the United States after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Not to mention, Donald Trump’s pick for vice president, J.D. Vance has voted to block legislation to protect access to IVF. The audacity of these politicians to prevent individuals from having and growing families when it is so difficult or even nearly impossible for some women to conceive without these processes makes my blood boil. Sometimes, I find myself imagining that our candidates are actually pro-choice, a protector of LGTBQ+ rights, pro-ceasefire, and as left as it gets, under the guise of a far-right politician’s campaign to procure votes. When he comes into power, he will be a champion of the rights of the people. If only this were the case. 

As women, we are constantly criticized and talked down to, with our decisions scrutinized. What is it going to take for this to stop? When will we be the sole arbiters of our futures? I am grateful that I had the opportunity to freeze my eggs to give myself time and peace of mind, and I hope that others will have the chance to do so. I pray that lawmakers in this country will think twice before they encroach on reproductive rights, and that laws and policies that protect these rights are created and upheld.