Felt Like “Less of a Woman”

Elizabeth Banks says she felt like ‘less of a woman’ after struggling with infertility

Actress Elizabeth Banks is reflecting on her journey with surrogacy 11 years after welcoming her first of two children into the world, sharing that there’s still “so much shame” attached to her infertility. While Banks described her dreams of marriage and having a family as “traditional” at the time, she explained the process of letting go of what that had meant to her as she discovered the impossibility of getting pregnant.

Judgement

Banks has publicly shared her journey with infertility before and has spoken to the judgement that she faced as she and her husband made the decision to work with a surrogate in order to grow their family. “This is a long time ago before surrogacy was like a Kardashian thing. Nobody was doing it back then.” Banks also addressed the grief that she faced for the potential of carrying her own child before she was able to celebrate this alternate route to motherhood.

Now, 11 years after becoming a mother, Banks said that the moment she had her son in her arms the worry about how he was born washed away. “It made everything else so stupid. So silly. Everyone’s judgment, it’s like, ‘Oh, f*** off.’ Now they get to judge me for how I parent,” she said. “It starts all over again, it’s a whole other side of the cycle.”

About Southwest Fertility Center

Infertility treatment specialists at Southwest Fertility Center have been helping patients since 1980.  Our team of fertility specialists has established a well-earned reputation for successfully helping couples through fertility issues. When you visit our office, we will take our time to get to know you so that we can provide a set of treatment options that best fit your individual needs. We take great pride in our non-discrimination policies and we accept all patients regardless of their prior medical conditions or sexual orientation. Our staff of medical professionals is dedicated to providing you with the patience and compassion you deserve. For more information regarding our treatment options, financing, or to discuss your individual treatment needs, speak with one of our staff members today. 602-956-7481.