When a woman is unable to carry a pregnancy on her own, either through the absence of a functional uterus or another medical issue, surrogacy becomes an important and feasible option. In addition, same-sex couples may also want to use a gestational carrier. Many celebrities who have had trouble conceiving or are in a same-sex relationship have used a gestational carrier to start or extend their families.
If the woman is still able to produce an egg and the male’s sperm is viable, an embryo can be created and transferred to a gestational carrier through In Vitro Fertilization. If one of the two factors are absent, a donor may be used to produce the egg or sperm. A gestational carrier agrees to carry the pregnancy to term and deliver the baby for the couple or individual.
Notable Celebrities Who Have Used a Gestational Carrier
Tyra Banks and Erik Asla
The most recent celebrity to announce the birth of their baby through the use of a surrogate is Tyra Banks. She announced the birth of her baby boy, York Banks Asla, in an Instagram post with the caption reading, “The best present we worked and prayed so hard for is finally here. He’s got my fingers and big eyes and his daddy Erik’s mouth and chin…” She then went on to thank the gestational carrier, leaving her identity anonymous and welcomed their new son to the world.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban
Back in 2011, the actress and country singer expanded their family with the birth of their baby girl, Faith Margaret. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are both the biological parents but had the baby via surrogacy.
Neil Patrick Harris and Partner David Burtka
In October of 2010, actor Neil Patrick Harris and partner David Burtka welcomed twins they had via surrogacy. Two eggs were used from the same donor and one used sperm from Harris and the other from Burtka. The family is most notable for their epic Halloween costume photos.
Sarah Jessica Parker
One of the most famous cases of a celebrity utilizing a gestational carrier was “Sex and the City” star, Sarah Jessica Parker. She had been open about her troubles conceiving her second child with husband, Matthew Broderick, and her desire to give birth. After many failed attempts, the couple decided to turn to surrogacy and was presented with twin daughters Tabitha and Loretta.
A gestational carrier can be an option for those who are unable to carry a pregnancy or any individuals, including single male and females, lesbian couples, gay couples and heterosexual couples. For more information, contact The Fertility Center of Las Vegas to schedule an appointment or to attend one of our patient education seminars.