It may not appear that way on the surface, but celebrities have a lot in common with ordinary people. This is especially true when discussing infertility, surrogacy, and IVF (in vitro fertilization). In fact, in Hollywood, surrogacy is often used as a path to create a family. It is more common than you might believe. So why do celebrities use surrogates?
To combat the stigma often attached to infertility, celebrities who did IVF to become pregnant are speaking out and offering inspiration to individuals and couples worldwide. This article will discuss the causes of infertility and how gestational surrogacy and IVF can help. We also highlight some celebrities who have used surrogates or done IVF to provide insight for those considering these paths.
What Causes Infertility?
Various factors, including age, medical conditions, or lifestyle choices, can cause infertility. If you are having trouble conceiving, you must speak to your doctor. Your doctor can help you identify the source of your infertility and suggest appropriate treatments. This is partially why celebrities do use surrogates.
Women may be hesitant to talk about infertility for a variety of reasons. For many, it is a personal experience they are uncomfortable discussing publicly or even with close friends and family. There can be shame associated with the diagnosis and fear of judgment from others. This is why, especially in Hollywood, surrogacy used to be a well-kept secret.
Additionally, there is often confusion surrounding the causes of infertility; many women feel lost when navigating an unfamiliar medical process or overwhelmed by all the decisions that must be made to conceive successfully.
Some women hesitate to speak up about their struggles with infertility, but knowing that there are hundreds of celebrities who have done IVF or used surrogates can help calm feelings of uncertainty or embarrassment. So, why do celebrities use surrogates, then?
Celebrities Who Used Surrogates and Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is when a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another couple or individual, often in exchange for healthcare services and compensation. The embryo, created through the intended couple’s donated eggs and sperm, is planted within the surrogate through IVF. The baby is not biologically related to the surrogate mother.
Many celebrities have used gestational surrogates to have children. Here are a few of the most outspoken about their experiences.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West: This celebrity couple contracted with a gestational surrogate for their third child after doctors warned Kim that being pregnant again could be a health risk. Health is an important reason why celebrities use surrogates.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick: This powerhouse couple of stage and screen have twin girls born through gestational surrogacy. In Hollywood, this is quite common. The couple struggled with infertility after their first child was born.
Jimmy Fallon and Nancy Juvonen Fallon: This celebrity couple struggled with infertility for years before using gestational surrogacy for both of their children.
Celebrities Who Did IVF to Become Pregnant
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process by which eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body and then implanted into the woman’s uterus. The eggs and sperm can originate from the intended parents or, in the case of same-sex couples or underlying health issues, be provided by an egg donor or sperm donor. This is another answer to the question, “Why do celebrities use surrogates?”
Many celebrities have used IVF to have children. Here are a few who have publicly spoken about their experiences.
Brooke Shields: This celebrity model and author expressed her frustration with trying to get pregnant with her husband at age 36. After experiencing a miscarriage and many unsuccessful rounds, her final IVF attempt resulted in daughter Rowan.
Céline Dion: The celebrity singer and performer used IVF for her son René-Charles in 2001 and again in 2010 to give birth to twin sons, Eddy and Nelson.
Michelle Obama: Moving away from Hollywood, surrogacy was a good option for the former First Lady, who underwent IVF to conceive her two daughters, Malia and Sasha. She explained her inability to conceive naturally was due to a traumatic incident earlier in her life.
LGBTQ Celebrities Who Used Surrogates or Did IVF to Create Their Families
To answer the question, “Why do celebrities use surrogates?” is that there are also many gay celebrities and single people desiring to have a family who have also spoken out about IVF and surrogacy’s benefits for the LGBTQ community.
Perez Hilton: This celebrity blogger has contracted with surrogate mothers and egg donors for his one son and two daughters.
Sir Elton John and David Furnish: The musical couple worked with the same gestational surrogate for their two sons born in 2010 and 2013.
Cynthia Nixon and Christine Marinoni: The Sex & the City star and her wife have a son, Max Ellington, who was born in 2011 through IVF and a sperm donor.
These are just some of the main reasons why celebrities use surrogates.
Family Creations: Your Trusted Source for Creating a Healthy Family
Even in Hollywood, surrogacy is a trusted path to parenthood. At Family Creations, we strive to provide life-affirming, scientifically based information for intended parents, gestational surrogates, and egg donors. Our professional team will gladly answer any questions about IVF and surrogacy and the safe ways to create a family. Contact us today.
