Elizabeth Banks Feels “Judged” For Having Children Via A Surrogate

The actress has found a way of dealing with any detractors

Elizabeth Banks says she still “feels judged” for having had her sons via surrogate, but has found a way of ignoring any negative comments. The actress and director was unable to give birth herself due to a condition she describes as “broken belly”.

She and her husband, sportswriter and film producer Max Handelman, have two sons, Magnus, 7, and Felix, 8.

“I definitely think I’m still judged for what I’ve done and that people don’t understand my choices, but I don’t feel I owe anybody any explanation,” Banks said in an interview with Net-a-Porter’s Porter Edit magazine.

“And, if my story helps people feel less alone on their journey, then I’m grateful for that.”

Banks is one of many celebrities who have had children using a surrogate, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Nicole Kidman. Banks first talked about her experiences in a blog post in 2011.

“After years of trying to get pregnant, exploring the range of fertility treatments, all unsuccessful, our journey led us to gestational surrogacy,” she wrote. “From that came two miracles.

“The first was meeting our carrier and her husband who were truly humbling in their decency and generosity. And the second miracle was the birth of our baby boy, Felix Handelman. Felix means ‘happy’ and ‘lucky’ in Latin. And true to his name, Felix is a very happy baby and a blessing on our life.”

From Harper’s Bazaar U.K.

All Images: Getty Images