Upasana Kamineni Konidela has found herself at the centre of a fiery online debate after her recent comment on egg freezing. What she intended as empowerment advice has snowballed into accusations, misunderstandings, and a larger cultural conversation about who gets to control women’s reproductive timelines. But beyond the outrage, this moment has opened up an unexpectedly meaningful discussion about the benefits of egg freezing for women, including those who may never want children.

What’s the controversy

I truly had an amazing time interacting with the students at @IITHyderabad
When I asked, “How many of you want to get married?” — more men raised their hands than the women!
The women seemed far more career-focused !!!!
This is the new – Progressive India. 🇮🇳

Set your vision.… pic.twitter.com/6HzlLjSMvX

— Upasana Konidela (@upasanakonidela) November 17, 2025

During a public interaction at IIT Hyderabad, Upasana referred to egg freezing as a kind of “insurance” for women. She said it’s a tool that lets them decide when they want to get married or have children, based on their own personal and financial timelines. Almost instantly, the comment ignited backlash.

Critics argued that her advice oversimplified a complex medical procedure. Other internet users felt it came from a place of privilege because not every woman can afford egg freezing, nor does everyone want to rely on medical technology to preserve fertility. Some accused her of promoting unrealistic expectations, especially for young women already overwhelmed by societal pressure. One such comment came from the CEO of Zoho, Sridhar Vembu. Sharing Upasana’s video, he wrote on X, “I advise young entrepreneurs I meet, both men and women, to marry and have kids in their 20s and not keep postponing it. I tell them they have to do their demographic duty to society and their own ancestors.”

But supporters saw something else entirely: a woman speaking openly about choosing her own reproductive timeline, something that is still surprisingly controversial in many Indian households. Regardless of where you stand, one thing is clear — Upasana Kamineni’s comment has pushed an important conversation into the mainstream.

Benefits of egg freezing for women

The criticism may be loud, but the facts are simple: egg freezing isn’t about telling women what to do. It’s about giving them one more choice. And choices are powerful.

1. It puts the timeline back in your hands

Biology may run on a clock, but your life doesn’t have to. Egg freezing allows women to preserve younger, healthier eggs for the future. This means you don’t need to rush into a relationship, a marriage, or a pregnancy simply because you’re approaching a certain age. Even if you’re unsure about motherhood, freezing your eggs keeps the option open.

2. It reduces the pressure to “figure it all out” in your 20s

Most women spend their 20s juggling education, early career, financial stability, healing from terrible dating experiences, or simply figuring out who they are. Egg freezing can relieve the emotional anxiety that comes with wondering, “Am I running out of time?” For many women, that peace of mind is invaluable.

3. It supports women with medical conditions

Beyond lifestyle choices, egg freezing can be essential for women who face medical issues like hormonal conditions, surgeries, or treatments that may affect fertility later. In those cases, it’s not a luxury; it’s a lifeline.

4. It gives freedom even to women who are not sure they want children

Not wanting kids right now doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t want them ever. And not wanting children ever doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect your options. Egg freezing doesn’t force a decision; it simply keeps doors open.

The backlash against Upasana’s comment reveals that society is still uncomfortable when women talk openly about controlling their own bodies and timelines. Egg freezing isn’t a perfect solution. It’s costly, it’s not guaranteed, and it’s not accessible to everyone yet. But it is a powerful tool that represents autonomy, confidence, and long-term planning.

Whether you’re someone who dreams of a big family, someone who isn’t sure, or someone who doesn’t want children at all, the point remains the same: options empower women. Lack of options limits them. And anything that expands choice, from egg freezing to honest conversations about fertility, deserves to be seen not as scandalous, but as a step towards giving women more freedom. If you want to know what happens before and after the egg freezing process, read a personal account here.

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Related: Everything You Need To Know About Freezing Your Eggs