Lily Collins, Surrogacy, and the Conversations We Still Need to Have

By Parham Zar, Founder of Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI)

A few days ago, I came across the news that Emily in Paris star Lily Collins welcomed her first child via surrogacy. A beautiful, life-changing moment—one that should have been met with nothing but joy and celebration. Instead, I saw criticism. Judgment. Questions about why she chose surrogacy, as if the details of her personal journey were up for public debate.

As someone who has dedicated my life to helping families through surrogacy and egg donation, I wish I could say I was surprised. But the truth is, even in 2025, the misconceptions around surrogacy remain stubbornly persistent. And as the founder of the Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), I see this narrative play out far too often—not just with celebrities, but with everyday people who are simply trying to build their families in the best way for them.

Surrogacy Is Not a “Luxury”

One of the most damaging assumptions is that surrogacy is some sort of “easy way out” or a luxury reserved for the rich and famous. Nothing could be further from the truth.

For many intended parents, surrogacy isn’t a choice—it’s a necessity. Infertility, medical conditions, and personal circumstances make pregnancy impossible or dangerous for countless individuals and couples. Surrogacy is the path that allows them to experience the profound love of parenthood, often after years of heartbreak.

Our surrogates at EDSI know this deeply. They see the emotional weight that intended parents carry. They witness the struggles, the waiting, the endless hurdles families must overcome before they even reach the point of surrogacy. And they choose to be part of this journey because they believe in its power—they believe in helping another family experience the kind of love that changes everything.

A Surrogate’s Perspective

One of our incredible EDSI surrogates was particularly moved by the comments surrounding Lily Collins. She felt compelled to speak out, saying:

"Surrogacy is not about privilege or convenience—it’s about love, sacrifice, and helping families who dream of having a child.”

This is what people fail to see when they reduce surrogacy to a mere transaction. It’s not just a legal or medical process—it’s a human one. It’s built on relationships, trust, and an overwhelming sense of purpose. Surrogates aren’t just carrying a baby; they are carrying hope.

Why Do We Still Judge the Way Families Are Built?

Lily Collins made a decision that was right for her. Just like every intended parent who comes to us, she took a deeply personal journey and chose the path that worked best for her family. And yet, we still see judgment.

But why?

Why is surrogacy scrutinized in a way that other paths to parenthood are not? We celebrate adoption. We rally around parents who conceive naturally. But when surrogacy enters the conversation, suddenly there’s an undercurrent of skepticism—as if it’s somehow less legitimate.

It’s time to challenge that thinking.

Let’s Change the Conversation

Surrogacy is about love. It’s about families. It’s about creating something beautiful out of challenges that once seemed insurmountable.

Instead of questioning why someone chooses surrogacy, let’s ask how we can support and uplift those who do. Instead of spreading misinformation, let’s educate ourselves on the realities of surrogacy—the immense emotional and physical commitment from both the surrogate and the intended parents.

Lily Collins' journey is not just her own. It represents thousands of families who take this path every year. And for every parent who welcomes a child through surrogacy, there is a surrogate standing beside them, proud of the role she played in making that dream a reality.

At EDSI, we stand with Lily. We stand with surrogates. We stand with every intended parent who has faced judgment for choosing the best path for their family.

It’s time to replace criticism with compassion. It’s time to celebrate all the ways families come to be.

Let’s start now.

What are your thoughts on this conversation? Have you or someone you know been touched by surrogacy? Let’s open the dialogue—because change begins with understanding.

#Surrogacy #LilyCollins #SurrogacyAwareness #IntendedParents #EggDonorAndSurrogacy #ParhamZar #EDSIsurrogacy #SurrogacyExpert #FamilyIsFamily #LoveMakesAFamily

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