Upasana Kamineni Responds to Criticism Over Egg-Freezing Comments

After receiving backlash for her comments on egg freezing at IIT Hyderabad, Upasana Kamineni Konidela clarified her intentions. She aimed to foster a significant dialogue surrounding women's reproductive choices, not to incite controversy.

In response to the growing online debate, Upasana took to X to express her appreciation for the discussion, stating, “I’m pleased to have initiated a healthy debate, and I thank everyone for their respectful reactions,” on Wednesday evening.

She further mentioned her plans to delve deeper into the “pleasures and pressures of privilege,” encouraging individuals to examine the information she presented. Additionally, she urged employers to enhance women's participation in the workforce.

Upasana also shared a personal “fact check,” detailing her own journey regarding marriage and fertility. She disclosed that she married for love at 27, opted to freeze her eggs at 29 for personal and health considerations, welcomed her first child at 36, and is expecting twins at 39. She stressed that her marriage and career are both significant, with her chosen timeline being a personal matter.

During her talk at IIT Hyderabad, Upasana referred to egg freezing as a form of “insurance” for women, empowering them to make choices about marriage and motherhood on their own terms. Notably, she observed that more men than women in the audience showed interest in marriage, which she views as reflective of shifting perspectives in “Progressive India.”

Responses to her statements have been mixed; while some medical practitioners and working women applauded her for highlighting autonomy and forward-thinking, others pointed out that egg freezing remains economically unattainable for many women in India.

Upasana has expressed her commitment to continuing the dialogue, framing egg freezing as just one of the many options available to women as they navigate biological, professional, and social expectations.