The Controversy Surrounding Surrogacy: Emily In Paris Actress Lily Collins’ Emotional Journey
The announcement of a new baby isn’t typically met with widespread backlash. However, when Emily In Paris actress Lily Collins, 35, shared via Instagram that she had become a new mother through surrogacy, she faced a barrage of negative comments.
Collins posted a picture of her newborn daughter Tove sleeping in her crib, garnering messages of congratulations and over two million likes. However, among the well-wishes were numerous critical remarks. One individual commented, “Having babies shouldn’t be like placing an Amazon order,” while another said, “The future: pregnancy is for poor women only.”
Collins’ husband, film director Charlie McDowell, 41, felt compelled to address the unkind remarks in a response to his wife’s post. He urged those who commented to “spend less time spewing hateful words into the world, especially in regards to a beautiful baby girl.” He rightly pointed out that no one knows why Collins and McDowell chose surrogacy or what motivated their surrogate.
While Collins and McDowell are undoubtedly happy with their new addition, the practice of surrogacy remains a contentious issue for many. Surrogacy, once a niche solution for infertility, has become a lucrative industry, driven largely by celebrity endorsements and the financial means of wealthy individuals.
The Surrogacy Industry: A Growing Multi-Billion Dollar Business
Surrogacy has become a significant business, with worldwide predictions of reaching nearly $130 billion by 2032. This rapid growth brings into question the ethical implications of turning motherhood into a service.
Well-known celebrities like Paris Hilton, Amber Heard, Rebel Wilson, Cameron Diaz, Priyanka Chopra, Chrissy Teigen, and Naomi Campbell have openly used surrogacy in recent years. Their public endorsements contribute to the normalization of surrogacy but mask the underlying ethical concerns.
At the heart of this business lies a troubling imbalance of power. Only affluent individuals can afford surrogacy, often paying upwards of £160,000 in the United States. Cheaper options exist in countries like Ukraine, with costs around £40,000.
Surrogates endure intense medical tests, take powerful fertility drugs, and undergo the physical and emotional stress of pregnancy. They then emerge from childbirth with the painful reality of relinquishing their child. Critics argue that many surrogates are impoverished and driven to sell their bodies to meet financial needs.
Lily Collins and Celebrity Surrogacy
Emily In Paris actress Lily Collins, 35, shared news of her newborn daughter via Instagram
Collins, known for her role in “Emily in Paris,” has been open about the joys and hardships of motherhood through surrogacy. During her pregnancy, she continued her career, balancing her responsibilities on set and in front of the camera.
Many celebrities, including Lucy Liu, cite career commitments as reasons for choosing surrogacy over traditional pregnancy. However, this perspective often fails to acknowledge the emotional and physical toll on surrogates.
A Feminist Perspective on Surrogacy
For those who have experienced fertility issues, like Claudia Connell and myself, finding a path to parenthood is emotionally taxing. Despite personal hardships, becoming a mother is often seen as a value paramount to societal expectations.
However, the commodification of pregnancy and childbirth raises significant ethical concerns. Surrogacy is not merely an option for those unable to conceive naturally; it has become a business catering to wealthy individuals who want to avoid the physical and emotional challenges of traditional pregnancy.
The allure of celebrity endorsement and the apparent ease of ordering a baby through surrogacy hides the systemic issues and exploitation of vulnerable women.
The Dark Side of Surrogacy: International Scandals and Exploitation
International surrogacy practices have faced widespread criticism. In India, a notorious baby factory emerged where impoverished women were paid to carry children for Western couples. These women often lived in poor conditions, were subjected to exploitative arrangements, and returned to their impoverished lives after delivering.
Following the scandal, India banned commercial surrogacy in 2016. Ukraine, however, became the new hub for international surrogacy, taking on nearly 2,500 births annually. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has added another layer of complexity, with children left behind in hospitals due to travel restrictions.
In the UK, commercial surrogacy is illegal, permitting only altruistic surrogacy where the surrogate is not paid. However, intended parents can cover “reasonable expenses,” which often include significant costs.
Numerous cases of surrogacy trafficking have been reported, such as the ring uncovered in Crete in 2023. The Mediterranean Fertility Institute was shut down after allegations of trafficking Eastern European women into surrogacy.
Advocating for Change: A Call to End Surrogacy
Lily and her film director husband Charlie McDowell, 41, at a gala event in Los Angeles in October 2022
Advocates argue that the only way to ensure the safety of vulnerable women is through a worldwide ban on commercial surrogacy. While altruistic surrogacy may seem more ethical, the reality of “reasonable expenses” often masks significant financial gains for surrogates, leading to potential exploitation.
As a society, it is essential to address the commodification of the female body and the ethical implications of surrogacy. Supporting policies that protect women’s rights and preventing exploitation is crucial.
A Final Note
The controversy surrounding surrogacy, exemplified by Lily Collins’ experience, highlights the need for ethical considerations and legal protections. While some see surrogacy as a solution to infertility, others view it as a form of exploitation. As we navigate this complex issue, it is vital to advocate for fair and compassionate policies that safeguard the rights and well-being of all involved.
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