Celebrated author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has spoken openly about her journey to motherhood via surrogacy, addressing stigma around fertility and non-traditional parenthood.
During a live #WithChude interview hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Adichie revealed she welcomed twin boys through a surrogate in 2024, joining her nine-year-old daughter.
The acclaimed writer expressed frustration over how her personal choice became politicised online.
“People went off with this thing, ‘She’s 47, she had babies,’” she said, explaining her decision to speak out was to counter societal pressures on women struggling with fertility.
She condemned the shame surrounding fertility challenges, stating, “Women are ashamed when they have fibroids or trouble conceiving.
I don’t believe in that sort of shame.”
Addressing ethical concerns about surrogacy, Adichie acknowledged that while it can be exploitative, it can also be done responsibly.
“It matters how it’s done,” she said, stressing the contradiction in criticizing surrogacy while promoting bodily autonomy.
Despite public scrutiny, she affirmed, “I have zero regrets,” and hoped her openness would encourage other women to embrace motherhood in their own ways, free of shame.
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