Rita Ora, the British singer and actress, has shared her experiences regarding egg freezing at a young age and her aspirations for motherhood in the future. In an interview with Women’s Health U.K., the 35-year-old artist opened up about her proactive approach to family planning, emphasising the significance of preserving fertility based on personal family health history.
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Ora underwent two rounds of egg freezing, at the ages of 24 and 27, as recommended by her doctor. The advice stemmed from her concern for egg quality, especially as she witnessed her mother, Vera Sahatçiu, suffer from early menopause caused by breast cancer treatment at the age of 39. This family experience deeply influenced Ora’s decision-making process about her own fertility.
Reflecting on her egg freezing journey, Ora remarked, “I was told it was a really good time to preserve the best quality eggs. It was actually the best advice, because now I’m in my mid-30s and I have a lot of friends really trying to figure it out.” According to the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority, while the optimal age range for freezing eggs is typically between the early 20s and early 30s, many women opt for the procedure later in life, with the average age in the UK being 38.
The singer’s decision to take control over her reproductive health emerged from her mother’s illness, which made her acutely aware of the importance of longevity and wellness. “I’ve been obsessed with longevity and I think it started when my mom wasn’t well. My mother’s treatment stimulated menopause at an early age for her, so I’m trying to get ahead of it and learn about it,” Ora explained.
Ora also revealed that her mother’s cancer diagnosis had a lasting impact on her mental health, leading to anxiety during her teenage years. She candidly shared, “I didn’t notice at the time … my head would go to the worst-case scenario.” This experience has made her more vigilant about her own health and wellbeing.
In addition to her personal aspirations, Ora is currently a stepmother to her husband Taika Waititi’s two daughters, Te Kāinga o te Hinekāhu, 13, and Matewa Kiritapu, 9, from his previous marriage to Chelsea Winstanley. The singer expressed her joy in being a stepmother, describing her relationship with the girls as “fun,” where she enjoys bringing a touch of magic to their lives.
In her words, “I’m like the fairy godmother who gives them all the sugar and all the ice cream, and then sends them back…” This playful approach exemplifies her nurturing side and her enthusiasm for parenthood.
Looking ahead, Ora has expressed hopes of expanding her family with Waititi, a renowned film director, whom she married in 2022. “It will just be more of an expansion when the time comes,” she said, highlighting her desire to conceive a child together in the future.
The insights shared by Ora underscore not only her personal journey but also a wider dialogue surrounding fertility and the choices women face in planning their families. As societal attitudes evolve regarding motherhood and career, many women are considering options such as egg freezing as a means to preserve their future.
Ora’s interview serves as both a testament to her commitment to family and a beacon of awareness for those navigating similar challenges. The full interview can be found in the April issue of Women’s Health U.K., which is currently available.