Selena Gomez Opens Up About Fertility Struggles and Future Parenthood

In a heartfelt interview with Vanity Fair, Selena Gomez, known for her roles in Only Murders in the Building and as a global pop icon, shared a deeply personal aspect of her life: her struggle with not being able to carry her own children.

Selena Gomez in Toronto on Sept. 8. / KC Armstrong / Deadline via Getty Images

Selena Gomez Opens Up About Fertility Struggles and Future Parenthood

Over the years, Selena has been transparent about her health challenges, including her battle with lupus and her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Now, at 32, she’s opening up about how these health complications have impacted her fertility and her dreams of motherhood.

Selena’s Fertility Journey: What She’s Shared

During her Vanity Fair interview, Selena revealed that she is unable to carry her own children due to medical reasons. "I haven’t ever said this...but I unfortunately can’t carry my own children," she shared. "I have a lot of medical issues that would put my life and the baby’s in jeopardy. That was something I had to grieve for a while."

While Selena didn’t go into specifics about all of her health challenges, she previously discussed the possibility of not being able to have children because of the medications she takes for bipolar disorder. “That’s a very big, big, present thing in my life,” she said, emphasizing that despite the difficulty, she remains hopeful. "However I’m meant to have them, I will."

The Path to Motherhood

Though Selena can’t carry her own children, she remains optimistic about becoming a mom through surrogacy or adoption. "I find it a blessing that there are wonderful people willing to do surrogacy or adoption, which are both huge possibilities for me," she said. Selena expressed her deep gratitude for these options, saying, "I’m really thankful that there are other options for people who are dying to be moms. I’m one of those people."

While the journey to motherhood may look different for her, Selena is clear about one thing: “At the end of the day, I don’t care. It’ll be mine. It’ll be my baby.”

Her desire to have a family is something she’s spoken about often, and in August 2022, she told Us Weekly, “I hope to be married and to be a mom. Eventually, I’m going to be tired of all of this, so I’m probably just going to devote most of my life to philanthropy before I peace out...just keeping it real.”

Selena’s Health Challenges

Selena has been vocal about the health struggles that have shaped her life. She has been living with lupus, an autoimmune disease, for over a decade. In 2017, Selena underwent a kidney transplant, with her close friend and fellow actress Francia Raisa donating a kidney to her. Since the transplant, Selena’s lupus has been in remission.

In addition to lupus, Selena has been open about her mental health journey, specifically her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In her 2022 documentary Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, she delved into her experiences with mental health, explaining, "I've been to four treatment centers. I think when I started hitting my early twenties is when it started to get really dark." She has used her platform to raise awareness about mental health and remove the stigma surrounding it.

A Message of Hope and Resilience

Selena’s openness about her fertility struggles and her journey with health challenges is a powerful reminder that parenthood doesn’t always follow one path. At The IVF Warrior, we recognize the emotional weight carried by those navigating infertility and complex health issues. Selena’s story echoes the experiences of so many within our community who face similar obstacles.

Whether it's through IVF, IUI, donor conception, surrogacy, adoption, or fertility preservation, there are many avenues to parenthood. Like Selena, we encourage you to explore the options that feel right for you and to seek support along the way. Fertility challenges can be incredibly isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

For more on Selena’s journey, check out her full interview in Vanity Fair.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.