Lily Collins, Surrogacy, and the Conversations We Still Need to Have

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.

For Intended Parents – Concerned about the complexity of the process? You do not have to navigate this alone. At EDSI, we protect our Intended Parents from the noise and handle every detail from legal contracts to clinic coordination. To Learn More Book A Free Consultation (International Parents are Welcome)

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 but rather 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.

For Potential Surrogates – While the internet argues, real families are waiting for a miracle. Could you be the one to help them? Surrogates with EDSI earn between $82,000 and $125,000+ while being fully protected legally and medically. Click here to take our 60 second eligibility quiz.

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.

Setting the Record Straight: The Truth About Surrogacy

The backlash against Lily Collins highlights a significant gap in public understanding. When people see a celebrity announcement, they often assume the choice was made for convenience or vanity. The reality is almost always different. At EDSI, we guide families through this process every day, and we see the medical heartbreak that usually precedes the decision to use a surrogate.

Myth 1: It Is About Vanity

The most common criticism is that women choose surrogacy to preserve their figures or avoid the discomfort of pregnancy. This is medically and statistically false. The vast majority of intended parents turn to surrogacy because it is their only option. They are often survivors of cancer, women born with conditions like MRKH syndrome (born without a uterus), or LGBTQIA+ individuals who need a surrogate to realize their dream of becoming fathers. For these families, surrogacy is not a luxury. It is a biological necessity and often the only way to build a family.

Myth 2: It Is Just a Transaction

Another painful misconception is that surrogacy is simply “buying a baby” or renting a body. This view ignores the humanity of the women who choose to become surrogates. At our agency, the screening process is rigorous. We ensure that every surrogate is financially stable and raising her own children before she ever applies. These women are not desperate. They are empowered and altruistic individuals who want to help another family experience the love they feel for their own children.

Myth 3: The Surrogate Is Giving Up Her Baby

This fear stems from a misunderstanding of modern gestational surrogacy. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic link to the child she carries. She is not “giving up” her baby because the baby was never hers to begin with. The embryo is created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors. Our surrogates often describe themselves as “extreme babysitters” who are caring for a life until the parents are ready to take over. The bond they form with the intended parents is often one of deep friendship rather than maternal detachment.

Why This Matters Now

When we judge celebrity stories without context, we hurt everyday families who are struggling in silence. We stigmatize a beautiful medical process that allows life to flourish where it otherwise could not.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy & Media Backlash