A few days ago, news broke that Emily in Paris star Lily Collins welcomed her first child via surrogacy. A beautiful, life-changing moment—one that should have been met with nothing but joy and celebration. Instead, the internet reacted with criticism, judgment, and invasive questions about why she chose surrogacy, as if her deeply personal journey was up for public debate.
As the founder of the Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), I wish I could say I was surprised. But even in 2025, misconceptions about surrogacy remain deeply ingrained in public discourse. Unfortunately, Lily Collins is not the first celebrity to face scrutiny for her surrogacy journey. Many stars—including Kim Kardashian, Priyanka Chopra, and Anderson Cooper—have also encountered backlash after welcoming children via surrogacy. (Read more about celebrities who have faced criticism for surrogacy here.)
But this isn’t just a celebrity issue. Every day, intended parents—whether famous or not—encounter the same unfair judgments. So, let’s set the record straight about what surrogacy really is and why we need to change the conversation.
Surrogacy Is Not a “Luxury”
One of the most damaging misconceptions about surrogacy is the belief that it is simply a “luxury” or an “easy way out.” Nothing could be further from the truth.
For many intended parents, surrogacy is not a choice—it’s a necessity. Medical conditions, infertility, and personal circumstances make pregnancy impossible or dangerous for countless individuals and couples. Surrogacy offers them the chance to experience the profound love of parenthood, often after enduring years of heartbreak and loss.
At EDSI, we work with surrogates who understand this deeply. They see the emotional weight that intended parents carry. They witness the struggles, the waiting, and the endless hurdles families must overcome before even reaching the point of surrogacy. These remarkable women choose to become surrogates not for financial gain, but because they believe in the power of helping others experience the kind of love that changes everything.
A Surrogate’s Perspective
One of our incredible EDSI surrogates recently spoke out after seeing the criticism surrounding Lily Collins’ surrogacy journey. She shared:
“Surrogacy is not about privilege or convenience—it’s about love, sacrifice, and helping families who dream of having a child.”
This is what people fail to see when they reduce surrogacy to a mere transaction. It is not just a legal or medical process—it is a human experience built on relationships, trust, and an overwhelming sense of purpose. Surrogates aren’t just carrying a baby; they are carrying hope.
Why Do We Still Judge the Way Families Are Built?
Lily Collins made a decision that was right for her. Just like every intended parent who comes to us, she took a deeply personal journey and chose the path that worked best for her family. And yet, we still see judgment.
But why?
Why is surrogacy scrutinized in a way that other paths to parenthood are not? We celebrate adoption. We rally around parents who conceive naturally. But when surrogacy enters the conversation, there’s an undercurrent of skepticism—as if it’s somehow less legitimate.
It’s time to challenge that thinking.
Let’s Change the Conversation
Surrogacy is about love. It’s about families. It’s about creating something beautiful out of challenges that once seemed insurmountable.
Instead of questioning why someone chooses surrogacy, let’s ask how we can support and uplift those who do. Instead of spreading misinformation, let’s educate ourselves on the realities of surrogacy—the immense emotional and physical commitment from both the surrogate and the intended parents.
Lily Collins’ journey is not just her own. It represents thousands of families who take this path every year. And for every parent who welcomes a child through surrogacy, there is a surrogate standing beside them, proud of the role she played in making that dream a reality.
At EDSI, we stand with Lily. We stand with surrogates. We stand with every intended parent who has faced judgment for choosing the best path for their family.
It’s time to replace criticism with compassion. It’s time to celebrate all the ways families come to be.
Let’s start now.
