Award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has opened up about her choice to welcome twin sons via surrogacy, addressing the public scrutiny and societal stigma often tied to non-traditional motherhood. During a candid conversation on the #WithChude Live talk show hosted by Chude Jideonwo, Adichie revealed her mixed feelings about the politicization of her personal journey, explaining that she opted for transparency to challenge harmful narratives that might pressure women struggling with fertility.
“I don’t like to lie about things that can be consequential for others,” she said, reflecting on the decision to publicly acknowledge her sons’ surrogacy birth. Adichie, 47, expressed frustration over assumptions that she had carried the twins herself, noting how such narratives could unfairly burden women facing similar challenges. “People might say, ‘She’s 47 and had twins—what about you?’ I didn’t want to contribute to that pressure.” Her honesty, however, sparked online debates, with critics labeling surrogacy as exploitative. Adichie countered these claims, acknowledging the practice’s ethical complexities but stressing that it could be done responsibly. “Some argue surrogacy dehumanizes women, yet the same people claim women should have autonomy over their bodies. There’s a contradiction there,” she observed.
Adichie also critiqued the pervasive shame surrounding fertility struggles, particularly for women. “Women are made to feel ashamed for having fibroids or difficulty conceiving. This stigma is an unnecessary burden,” she said, advocating for more open conversations about alternative paths to parenthood. Despite the backlash, she expressed zero regrets, emphasizing the profound joy her children—including her nine-year-old daughter—bring to her life. “My children are the greatest gifts I’ve been given,” she shared, hoping her openness would encourage others to embrace their journeys without shame.
