Singer-songwriter Rita Ora’s decision to freeze her eggs in her 20s has reignited debate about fertility planning. We explore the practical, emotional, and spiritual questions behind fertility preservation, and how faith shapes our approach to family and the future.

WA Feb 2023 - Cover

Our Feb 2023 cover.

Rita Ora, British singer-songwriter and actor, recently opened up about freezing her eggs in her mid-20s, saying it was “the best advice” she’d ever received. Suddenly, it feels like everyone is talking again about egg freezing.

Recent research suggests that 17% of Gen Z women in the UK have already considered freezing their eggs, and nearly half of women in their late 20s to early 30s would actively consider it. With more women delaying motherhood due to career, the shakey economy, or not being able to find meet someone, the conversation about fertility preservation is only becoming more urgent.

If you’re one of many single Christian women conscious of the imbalance between single men and women in the Church, you’ve probably had moments when you’ve wondered about your own fertility, your future, and how much you can really plan for the life you hope for. Maybe you’ve felt the so-called “ticking clock”, or maybe it’s the people around you—friends, family, even church family—asking when you’re going to “settle down” or start a family. And navigating these questions isn’t easy, especially when faith is part of the equation.

If you’re one of many single Christian women conscious of the imbalance between single men and women in the Church, you’ve probably had moments when you’ve wondered about your own fertility

We all know on some level that planning ahead doesn’t mean you don’t trust God. It’s more than okay to plan for the future (Habakkuk 2.2 anyone?) The Bible encourages us to seek wisdom (James 1:5) and to steward our lives well. Medicine and technology, including egg freezing, can be gifts, tools we might use if needed. But no matter what the ads or headlines say, freezing your eggs isn’t a guaranteed ticket to motherhood. It can give more options, sure, but it’s not a promise.

READ MORE: Have I run out of time to have a baby?

It’s important to get real about our motives. Am I considering this because of fear, pressure, or panic? Or is it a calm, thoughtful response to my circumstances? Sometimes, we’re just trying to do the best we can with what we know. But it’s worth pausing to pray, to talk to God honestly about your hopes and worries, and to invite Him into the decision. 

If you’re thinking about egg freezing, ask yourself: Am I being led by faith, or pushed by fear? Am I feeling pressure from others, or am I making this choice with a sense of peace? Remember, God can handle your questions and your uncertainty, He’s not shocked or disappointed.

[egg freezing] can be expensive, emotional, and physically demanding

Let’s talk about what egg freezing is and what it isn’t. It’s a medical process where your eggs are collected and stored for possible future use. It’s most effective when you’re younger, but it’s not a guarantee. You might need more than one round, and it can be expensive, emotional, and physically demanding. And if you have questions about what happens to unused eggs, or about IVF in general, that’s completely valid—ask, pray, and seek advice from people you trust, including Christian medical professionals (email us at womanalive@premier.org.uk if you want to reach out to those in the Woman Alive community).

READ MORE: Is egg freezing biblical?

I wish we heard more in church that it’s okay to not have all the answers. Whether you decide to freeze your eggs, wait, pursue adoption, or embrace singleness, you’re not less loved or less faithful. Let’s make space for these conversations without judgement or shame. We need each other, especially when life doesn’t look the way we imagined.

And perhaps obviously, at the end of the day, egg freezing is a personal decision. For some, it’s a proactive step that brings peace of mind. For others, it isn’t the right fit. What matters most is that you’re honest with yourself and with God. As women of faith, let’s hold our plans lightly, trusting that God’s love and purpose for us go deeper than anything we can arrange.

Whatever your stance, let’s be communities that support women facing these choices, not judge them. The church should be a safe space for honest conversations about fertility, waiting, loss, and longing. Whatever route you take, and in case you have never heard this before, know that God’s love for you is not dependent on your ability to have children.