Let’s be straightforward: Tech giants’ initiatives to cover the costs of egg freezing for women are not primarily about fostering family-friendly policies. Rather, they aim to polish their image, which has faced considerable scrutiny for being less than supportive of women. To many outside Silicon Valley, this presents yet another layer of economic inequality that demands attention.
When discussing Facebook and Apple’s contributions to egg freezing, much of the media focus is on the narrative of female ambition or the notion that these benefits are designed to encourage women to postpone motherhood indefinitely. The underlying implication seems to be that the goal is to keep women focused on their careers rather than starting families. However, many women recognize the truth behind this rhetoric. For me, the choice to delay parenthood (alongside my plans for adoption or using a sperm donor if I wasn’t married by 35) had little to do with ambition and everything to do with not wanting to shoulder the responsibilities of raising children alone.
The perception that women are merely waiting for the perfect job to have kids—rather than seeking the right relationship—is misleading. And once a woman achieves that coveted position, would she really be willing to sacrifice her career for motherhood? – Jamie Thompson, author of “Modern Women, New Paths to Happiness.”
What is sorely lacking in the feeble gestures extended to working mothers is the crucial support of childcare.
First, let’s commend Facebook and similar companies for providing paid maternity and paternity leave—a commendable and rare initiative. Let’s hope others follow suit. However, once a child is born and begins to grow, what then happens to the parent trying to re-enter the workforce?
For most mothers, resuming their jobs means finding someone else to care for their children. Despite the fact that 40% or more of working families leave their young kids with caregivers outside the family during work hours, the tragedies related to childcare, especially highlighted in 2013, have exposed the risks within an under-regulated industry. The reality of childcare is often a mess.
Over the years, I’ve seen many parents struggle with the harsh math of returning to work. Is it worth it if nearly all your earnings go to childcare? Often, the answer is yes—keeping skills sharp and maintaining a sense of personal fulfillment can be vital for mental health.
While those in tech likely have access to excellent childcare options—often as expensive as private school tuition—subsidizing egg freezing instead of supporting actual parenting reflects a troubling trend in how we support working mothers in this nation.
Consider one of the most impactful nonprofits supporting women in the workplace, Empower Women. This organization aids over 70,000 women annually, evolving from merely providing professional attire for interviews to offering coaching, mentorship, and financial education (full disclosure: I’m an advocate and former advisor for this program). Many mothers in these programs—often struggling with unemployment, debt, and assistance—secure full-time jobs with benefits. This progress is remarkable.
Yet, when their children fall ill, they may miss work. Many are single mothers with limited support networks. And what about unexpected school closures? Many times, this results in moms losing their jobs. Childcare remains the missing link that Empower Women cannot currently provide, even as they advocate for better employer support.
All the dedication and hard work put into securing a job—and gaining financial stability—can often collapse due to the challenges of childcare.
So, tell us, Facebook: If you can provide doggy daycare and wellness services, why not offer childcare?
Maybe it’s because biotech is trendy, and eggs don’t require diaper changes or vaccination appointments. It’s also considerably cheaper (around $20,000) than funding on-site childcare. However, the real commitment to motherhood may not align with the fast-paced image tech companies want to portray, even though, like providing meals or relaxation spaces, childcare would significantly enhance employee satisfaction and family well-being.
For more insights on navigating the journey of parenthood, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And if you’re interested in further exploring the options available for creating a family, consider looking at this site for details.
Summary:
Tech companies like Facebook and Apple promote egg freezing primarily to enhance their image, rather than genuinely support working mothers. While they may offer paid leave, the lack of affordable childcare remains a significant barrier for many parents trying to balance work and family life. Organizations like Empower Women assist many women in securing jobs, but without adequate childcare support, their progress can be jeopardized. It is crucial for companies to extend their family-friendly policies to include childcare solutions to truly empower working mothers.