Why British women are freezing their eggs abroad

Science Weekly

The Guardian

Science

4.2 • 1K Ratings

🗓️ 3 July 2025

⏱️ 21 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

The number of women choosing to freeze their eggs has increased sharply, according to figures from the UK’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The number deciding to embark on the process abroad also appears to be rising. Madeleine Finlay speaks to the Guardian journalist Lucy Hough, who recently travelled to Brussels to freeze her eggs. She explains what prompted her decision and how she feels now that the procedure is over. Madeleine also hears from Joyce Harper, a professor of reproductive science at University College London, about what the freezing of eggs involves and why the small odds of success could be driving women to travel to do it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Transcript

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1:20.5	Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Brussels, Midi.
1:30.5	Please take a moment to check that you have all your personal items with you.
1:34.6	Guardian journalist and producer Lucy Hoff recently decided to freeze her eggs in Brussels.
1:41.5	I'm just looking at this big university hospital, which isn't the outskirts of Brussels.
1:49.0	I'm panting loads because it's like 20 degrees.
1:52.0	Excuse me more.
1:53.0	Is it Brussels IVF?
1:55.0	Yes.
	...

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