Vicky Pattison has boldly hit out at the use of “misogynistic” language by doctors, claiming it adds unnecessary hysteria and fear around women’s fertility. The Strictly star, 38, who has been open about her fertility journey, is particularly enraged by the term “geriatric eggs,” which she was shockingly told about during her treatment.
In her latest documentary, Maybe Baby?, airing on Channel 4, Vicky takes viewers on an emotional journey as she contemplates motherhood and fertility. She candidly shares her experience with egg freezing and the pressure women face regarding their biological clocks.
During a chat with Radio Times, Vicky revealed, “It’s misogynistic language, and I think it’s deliberate. It’s adding to the hysteria and fear women already face when it comes to fertility.”
The reality star is now using her platform to encourage a more open conversation about fertility, hoping to destigmatize the topic and make egg freezing more affordable. “Women deserve to have security and a backup plan,” she continued.
Vicky has been open with her fans about the process of freezing her eggs. She began the treatment at the age of 35, determined to take control of her fertility, resulting in the freezing of three embryos. “Egg freezing should be more accessible for women, it’s an empowering choice,” she said, expressing frustration that many women feel they have to act quickly without clear options.
In Maybe Baby?, Vicky is joined by her husband of two years, Ercan Ramadan. The couple’s personal journey is an eye-opener into the pressure placed on women to have children once they’re married. Vicky opens up about how the societal expectation to become a mother weighs on her, particularly after her recent marriage.
A Candid Look at Fertility Struggles 💔
One of the most poignant moments in the documentary sees Vicky tearfully admit, “As a woman, you’re conditioned to really want kids.” She explains that her family has always supported her, but the desire to have children feels suffocating at times. “I feel like I’m on a conveyor belt,” she admits.
Despite feeling this societal pressure, Vicky has praised her decision to give her relationship with Ercan breathing room before making any decisions about parenthood. “It’s been the best thing I’ve ever done,” she said, explaining how meeting Ercan at 31 gave her time to enjoy their relationship without feeling rushed.
Vicky and Ercan have made it clear that they’re still on the same page about wanting more time to make up their minds about having children.
Women’s Fertility Choices and The Pressure to Conform
Vicky’s message is clear—there shouldn’t be an “invisible timeline” that women are expected to follow. She expressed how difficult it is to juggle career ambitions with societal expectations, pointing out the lack of compromise when it comes to women’s choices. “We’re fed this narrative that we can have it all, but it’s not necessarily true,” she says.
Her reflections on fertility were deeply personal and empowering. “There’s a huge question mark over motherhood for me,” she admits. But for Vicky, the idea that women don’t need to be defined by whether or not they have children is a game-changer. “I think we’re coming around to the idea as a society that a woman doesn’t have to have children to be fulfilled,” she said.
Encouraging Open Conversations on Fertility
Throughout the documentary, Vicky is determined to keep the conversation around fertility open and honest. Her candid approach is empowering women who may be facing similar struggles and uncertainties about their reproductive futures.
In an interview on the Women’s Health Just as Well podcast, Vicky recalled a powerful statement her mother made to her: “If not having children is your trajectory, that’s fine.” This supportive message from her mother had a profound impact, reinforcing Vicky’s belief that a woman’s worth is not tied to motherhood.
Vicky Pattison’s openness about the challenges and emotions surrounding fertility choices is helping to break down barriers and shift the conversation. She’s encouraging a world where women are free to make their own choices without shame, fear, or judgment.
As her journey continues, Vicky’s story serves as an inspiration for women who may be navigating similar paths. It’s a powerful reminder that the decision to have children, or not, should be a personal one—free from societal pressures and harmful language. 🌟
