At a recent session with students at IIT Hyderabad, entrepreneur and philanthropist Upasana Konidela made remarks that quickly went viral: she encouraged young women to consider freezing their eggs so they can focus on their careers and decide when to start a family. According to her, this strategy offers women “insurance”  allowing them to marry and have children on their own timeline rather than being forced by societal expectations.

But the response was swift and sharp. Many netizens and medical experts criticized Upasana for promoting a medically complex and costly procedure  noting that she comes from a place of privilege (she’s VC of CSR at Apollo Hospitals) and may not understand the emotional, financial, and biological realities most women face. Some doctors also pointed out that egg freezing doesn’t guarantee pregnancy later, and that success rates vary widely.

In response to the backlash, Upasana issued a public clarification on her X account, saying she was “happy to have sparked a healthy debate” and thanking those who engaged respectfully. She shared personal context she married at 27, froze her eggs at 29, had her first child at 36, and is now expecting twins at 39  calling the decision “my right, not a privilege.” She also appealed for more understanding, urging employers to support women’s career ambitions and fertility choices. 

Yet concern remains in several quarters. Critics have asked whether her status and wealth allow her to advise young women on fertility in a way that glosses over real-world barriers  like accessibility, cost, and biological risk.  Others have suggested that her remarks could fuel unrealistic expectations, particularly among women who don’t have the same resources for fertility preservation.