I did not need to hear about Congresswoman Sara Jacobs’ reproductive choices and decisions.
It’s none of my business. Not as a man. Not as a person. I do not have, want or need a say in that extremely personal matter.
The 35-year-old congresswoman who, prior to redistricting,represented portions of South County, brought up the issue on the House Floor.
“Three years ago, during my first year in Congress, I froze my eggs – which means I went through the first initial stages of IVF except that after egg retrieval, my eggs were frozen and stored. For weeks, I took hormone pills, gave myself injections, and went to the doctor for checkups. Then, I had a procedure under twilight sedation to harvest my eggs. Many people use IVF if they’re single, LGBTQ+, older, experiencing fertility issues, or have suffered multiple miscarriages. But no matter the reason, IVF should be a valid and viable choice for anyone,” she told her Congressional colleagues in the most public of settings.
It’s not the first time she has discussed the issue. Shortly after her election in 2020 she detailed the motives and the procedure for CNN.
Freezing her eggs was a pragmatic—and costly—decision she made in determining the course of her life. There are few, if any, greater decisions a person can make than when to start a family. Presumably Jacobs, and millions of women like her, rightfully want the opportunity to have children when they are ready to be a responsible parent.
Jacobs’ remarks come at a time when Republican legislators are examining more ways to tighten their grip on women’s rights.
“During IVF, doctors often create more fertilized embryos than they plan on using – because some may be genetically unviable or result in miscarriages,” Jacobs said.
If some lawmakers have their way even unviable embryos would have to be preserved lest the woman be guilty of abortion, a procedure conservatives want to outlaw nationwide. No doubt that would have a chilling effect on women and their right to decide when they have children.
I’m grateful Jacobs shared her experience but I did not need to hear about the reproductive decision she made years ago. That’s an issue best left to her and her doctor, as it should be for all women.
