Let’s cut to the chase: the practice of tech companies compensating women for freezing their eggs isn’t primarily geared towards supporting women and families. Rather, it’s about preserving an image that has often been criticized for lacking female-friendly policies. For those outside Silicon Valley, this trend reveals another layer of economic inequality.
When we examine the news surrounding Facebook and Apple’s egg-freezing initiatives, the narrative often revolves around the notion of female ambition or the idea that these perks are designed to encourage women to postpone motherhood. The implication seems to be: “You don’t want to start a family yet; you want to keep producing for us!” Many women, however, see through this façade. My own decision to delay parenthood (alongside my plans for adoption or using a sperm donor if I didn’t marry by 35) was less about ambition and more about the practicalities of raising children solo.
The myth that women are simply waiting for the right career moment to have kids, rather than seeking a supportive relationship, is misleading. Once a woman achieves that coveted corner office, would she really be willing to sacrifice it for motherhood? – Jenna Carter, author of Modern Motherhood: Redefining Happiness.
What’s truly missing from the gestures made towards working mothers is the recognition that real support comes from accessible childcare. Kudos to Facebook and others for offering paid maternity and paternity leave—an admirable and rare step. However, once a child arrives and starts to babble, what happens to the parent trying to return to work?
For many mothers, getting back into the workforce requires finding someone to care for their child. With over 40 percent of working families relying on non-family members for childcare during work hours, the tragic incidents that have arisen in this underregulated field are illuminating.
In my experience covering finances and parenting, I’ve often advised on the harsh realities of the decision to return to work. If your entire paycheck goes toward childcare, is it worth it? While it usually is, as maintaining your professional skills is crucial—and sometimes work is simply a source of joy—navigating this landscape is complex. Tech employees might afford top-tier childcare, which can rival private school tuition, but subsidizing egg-freezing while neglecting actual parenting support speaks volumes about how we prioritize working mothers in this country.
One notable organization, Empower Women, assists over 70,000 women annually, evolving from providing professional attire for interviews to offering coaching and financial education. Many mothers in these programs, who often find themselves unemployed or underemployed, manage to secure full-time jobs with benefits. However, when their children become ill or school is unexpectedly out, these mothers frequently miss work—or worse, lose their jobs. Childcare is a critical component that Empower Women still struggles to provide, despite advocating for better employer support.
All the hard work these women put in to secure employment and achieve financial stability can come crashing down due to the lack of childcare options. So, I ask you, Facebook: If you can provide doggy daycare and spa services while encouraging women to “lean in,” why not offer childcare?
Perhaps it’s because egg freezing is viewed as a more palatable, less messy option than addressing the realities of motherhood, which involves changing diapers and scheduling vaccinations. It’s also considerably less expensive at around $20,000 than investing in on-site childcare. Yet, just like offering on-site meals or relaxation pods, childcare could enhance employee satisfaction and improve life for working families.
In summary, while tech companies are making strides with initiatives like egg-freezing, the real issue lies in the lack of support for actual parenting. If we want to truly empower working mothers, we must focus on providing comprehensive childcare solutions.
For more insights on family planning, consider visiting Make a Mom. Additionally, for expert advice on fertility options, check out Johns Hopkins Fertility Center. And if you’re feeling the pressures of the holiday season, you can find valuable resources at Intracervical Insemination.