Rita Ora Opens Up About Egg Freezing Decision Following Mother’s Cancer Battle
British singer Rita Ora has disclosed the deeply personal motivations behind her choice to preserve her fertility through egg freezing procedures during her twenties, connecting the decision to both medical guidance and her family’s health challenges.
The 35-year-old artist completed two fertility preservation cycles at ages 24 and 27, following professional medical counsel about optimal timing for the procedure. In a recent interview with Women’s Health UK, Ora explained that a physician recommended the timing as ideal for securing the highest quality reproductive material.
Reflecting on the decision, Ora noted how prescient the advice proved to be, as she now witnesses many peers in their mid-thirties struggling with fertility concerns. She views her preserved eggs as providing future options when she decides to expand her family.
Family Health History Influences Decision
The singer’s proactive approach to reproductive health stems partly from her mother Vera’s medical history. When Ora was just 13 years old, her mother received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2005, an experience that profoundly impacted the young performer.
This traumatic period led Ora to develop post-traumatic stress disorder and ongoing health anxiety. The cancer treatment her mother underwent triggered early menopause, prompting Ora to take preventive measures regarding her own reproductive timeline.
Speaking about her mother’s experience, Ora emphasized her desire to stay ahead of potential health challenges and educate herself about reproductive wellness.
Marriage and Stepfamily Life
In 2022, Ora entered marriage with acclaimed filmmaker Taika Waititi, known for directing critically praised works including ‘Jojo Rabbit’ and ‘Thor: Love And Thunder.’ The couple’s multicultural backgrounds – Ora’s British-Albanian heritage and Waititi’s New Zealand roots with Russian Jewish and Māori ancestry – have created unexpected common ground.
Ora highlighted how both their cultures share similar values regarding family importance and work ethic. She discovered surprising parallels between Albanian and Māori traditions, which have strengthened their bond.
The relationship has also brought Ora into a stepmother role with Waititi’s two daughters, an experience she describes as rewarding despite the lack of formal preparation. She embraces activities like nail painting and shopping trips, finding joy in these everyday moments with the children.
Career Support and Future Plans
Television personality Davina McCall, who worked alongside Ora as a judge on ITV’s ‘The Masked Singer’ for four years, actively encourages the singer to pursue motherhood. McCall frequently urges Ora to move forward with family planning, expressing confidence in her abilities as a future parent.
Throughout her career spanning nearly two decades since 2004, Ora has achieved significant commercial success with four number-one singles and a chart-topping album in the UK. Her artistic portfolio extends beyond music to include notable film appearances in major productions such as ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ and ‘Pokemon Detective Pikachu.’