Fertility & Family Building

Celebrities Who Did IVF

Several celebrities have publicly shared their IVF journeys, including Michelle Obama, Celine Dion, Courteney Cox, Chrissy Teigen, and Jennifer Aniston. While some welcomed children after IVF, others experienced repeated failed cycles or eventually chose surrogacy or adoption.

By VitaLife Editorial TeamFertility & Family-Building Editorial Team
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Celebrities Who Did IVF
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Infertility can affect anyone, regardless of age, career, or financial situation. Even celebrities who seem to have everything may face difficulties when trying to have a child. In recent years, more famous people have started speaking openly about their experiences with in vitro fertilization (IVF), pregnancy loss, and other fertility treatments.

Some celebrities eventually welcomed children after IVF, while others experienced multiple unsuccessful cycles before considering alternative paths to parenthood. Their stories show that fertility treatment is not always straightforward and that IVF does not guarantee pregnancy.

If you are searching for celebrities who did IVF, you may recognize names such as Michelle Obama, Celine Dion, Courteney Cox, Chrissy Teigen, and Jennifer Aniston. Each has shared a different experience, from successful IVF treatment to repeated disappointments and difficult decisions.

In this article, we explore 13 celebrities who have publicly discussed their IVF journeys, explain what happened during their treatments, and distinguish IVF from other family-building options such as surrogacy and adoption. We also look at famous people born through IVF and address popular questions about celebrities whose fertility treatments have attracted public attention.

Celebrities Who Have Shared Their IVF Journeys

The following celebrities have publicly discussed their experiences with IVF or fertility treatment. Some became parents through IVF, while others eventually chose surrogacy, adoption, or other paths.

CelebrityIVF experienceFamily-building outcome
Michelle ObamaIVF following miscarriageTwo daughters
Celine DionSix IVF attemptsTwin boys
Courteney CoxIVF and recurrent pregnancy lossOne daughter
Chrissy TeigenIVF with John LegendTwo children conceived through IVF
Farah KhanIVF after two unsuccessful attemptsTriplets
Mahhi VijIVF after difficulty conceiving naturallyOne daughter
Emma ThompsonIVF for her first childOne biological daughter
Tyra BanksIVF followed by gestational surrogacyOne son
Gabrielle UnionMultiple IVF cyclesDaughter through surrogacy
Jaime KingFive IVF cycles and 26 IUI proceduresTwo sons
Jennifer AnistonUnsuccessful IVF treatmentNo children
Kourtney KardashianFive unsuccessful IVF cyclesLater conceived naturally
Hugh JackmanIVF and pregnancy lossesTwo adopted children

1. Michelle Obama: IVF After a Miscarriage

Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States, is among the most recognizable celebrities who have spoken openly about using IVF.

In her 2018 memoir, Becoming, Obama revealed that she had experienced a miscarriage before seeking fertility treatment. She also discussed how isolated she felt because women rarely talked openly about pregnancy loss at the time.

Michelle Obama: IVF After a Miscarriage
Michelle Obama: IVF After a Miscarriage

During an interview with ABC News anchor Robin Roberts, she confirmed that she and her husband, Barack Obama, had turned to IVF to conceive their two daughters.

Obama explained that she was 34 and 35 when she underwent treatment and described giving herself hormone injections as part of the process.

With the help of IVF, the couple welcomed Malia and Sasha, who were both conceived through fertility treatment.

Her decision to share this experience helped bring greater attention to infertility and miscarriage. It also encouraged women to talk more openly about reproductive health instead of feeling that fertility problems are something to hide.

2. Celine Dion: Six IVF Attempts Before Having Twins

Canadian singer Celine Dion is another well-known example of a celebrity who underwent IVF.

Dion and her late husband, René Angélil, wanted to expand their family but experienced difficulties conceiving. The singer openly discussed the emotional challenges of repeated fertility treatments.

Celine Dion: Six IVF Attempts Before Having Twins
Celine Dion: Six IVF Attempts Before Having Twins

During a 2010 interview with Larry King, Dion confirmed that the couple had tried IVF several times before achieving pregnancy.

She explained that five attempts had been unsuccessful and that the sixth attempt resulted in pregnancy.

In October 2010, Dion welcomed twin boys, Nelson and Eddy, at the age of 42.

Her experience highlights how IVF sometimes requires multiple attempts before a pregnancy occurs. It also shows why patients may need emotional support and realistic expectations throughout fertility treatment.

3. Courteney Cox: IVF After Multiple Miscarriages

Courteney Cox, best known for playing Monica Geller in the television series Friends, has also spoken about her fertility journey.

In a 2003 interview with Barbara Walters on ABC's 20/20, Cox confirmed that she had undergone in vitro fertilization.

She also discussed experiencing multiple miscarriages despite being able to become pregnant. She explained that she and her then-husband, actor David Arquette, were concerned about losing another pregnancy and were exploring genetic testing.

Their daughter, Coco Arquette, was born in June 2004.

Courteney Cox: IVF After Multiple Miscarriages
Courteney Cox: IVF After Multiple Miscarriages

Cox's experience became particularly meaningful to viewers because her character on Friends later experienced difficulties with conception as well. Although the fictional storyline and her personal life were separate, her openness helped make conversations about infertility more visible.

4. Chrissy Teigen: IVF and Her Journey to Motherhood

Model and television personality Chrissy Teigen has been open about her fertility treatment experiences with her husband, singer John Legend.

The couple struggled to conceive and eventually decided to pursue IVF.

Teigen discussed the process publicly, including embryo freezing and the uncertainty that can accompany fertility treatment.

Their daughter, Luna, was born in 2016, followed by their son, Miles, in 2018. Teigen confirmed that both children were conceived through IVF.

She has also spoken openly about pregnancy loss, including the loss of their son Jack in 2020.

Chrissy Teigen: IVF and Her Journey to Motherhood
Chrissy Teigen: IVF and Her Journey to Motherhood

Her willingness to discuss these experiences has helped bring attention to several aspects of reproductive health, including IVF, embryo transfer, and the emotional challenges that can accompany pregnancy loss.

5. Farah Khan: Becoming a Mother Through IVF at 43

Indian filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan is another celebrity who has shared her experience with IVF.

Farah and her husband, filmmaker Shirish Kunder, wanted to have children but faced difficulties conceiving.

In a 2026 interview with Shekhar Suman, Farah revealed that she had undergone two unsuccessful IVF attempts before achieving pregnancy.

She explained that she was 42 when she was trying IVF and 43 when she gave birth.

In 2008, Farah welcomed triplets: Anya, Diva, and Czar.

She also discussed the challenges of pregnancy and the time it took her to lose the weight she gained while carrying three babies.

Farah Khan: Becoming a Mother Through IVF at 43
Farah Khan: Becoming a Mother Through IVF at 43

Her story is particularly relevant to women considering fertility treatment in their 40s. However, one person's experience should not be used to predict another patient's chances of success. Age, ovarian reserve, egg quality, embryo development, and individual medical circumstances all influence IVF outcomes.

6. Mahhi Vij: Speaking Openly About IVF in India

Indian actress Mahhi Vij has shared her experience with fertility treatment and the social pressure that can surround IVF.

In a 2025 interview reported by The Indian Express, Vij discussed her decision to pursue IVF after trying to conceive naturally without success.

She explained that she was comfortable with the idea of IVF and did not want to hide her treatment from the public. She also described how some people advised her not to talk about IVF because of the stigma surrounding infertility.

Vij and her husband, actor Jay Bhanushali, welcomed their daughter, Tara, in 2019.

Her experience is important because IVF remains a sensitive subject in some communities. By discussing her treatment publicly, she has helped challenge the assumption that needing fertility assistance is something to be ashamed of.

Mahhi Vij: Speaking Openly About IVF in India
Mahhi Vij: Speaking Openly About IVF in India

7. Emma Thompson: IVF and the Birth of Her Daughter

Academy Award-winning actress Emma Thompson and her husband, actor Greg Wise, have also experienced the challenges of fertility treatment.

The couple welcomed their daughter, Gaia, in 1999 after IVF treatment.

However, their journey did not end there. They later attempted additional IVF cycles because they hoped to have another biological child. Those subsequent attempts were unsuccessful.

In October 2026, Greg Wise spoke publicly about the emotional impact of their repeated unsuccessful treatments in an article for The Guardian.

He described the grief and pressure they experienced as a couple, explaining how difficult it was to keep going through repeated treatment cycles.

Emma Thompson: IVF and the Birth of Her Daughter
Emma Thompson: IVF and the Birth of Her Daughter

Their story illustrates that even after a successful IVF pregnancy, future treatment cycles may not necessarily lead to another pregnancy.

Celebrities Who Used IVF and Later Chose Surrogacy

IVF and surrogacy are different concepts, but they can be used together as part of a fertility treatment plan.

In gestational surrogacy, IVF is generally used to create embryos. An embryo is then transferred to a gestational surrogate, who carries the pregnancy without having a genetic relationship to the child through the transferred embryo.

The following celebrities have discussed experiences involving both fertility treatment and surrogacy.

8. Tyra Banks: IVF Before Welcoming Her Son Through Surrogacy

Supermodel and television personality Tyra Banks has spoken about her difficult journey toward motherhood.

Banks and her former partner, photographer Erik Asla, tried IVF as they hoped to have a child. She later discussed the emotional impact of fertility treatment, including unsuccessful attempts and the disappointment of not becoming pregnant.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2018, Banks explained that she had undergone IVF treatments while trying to conceive her first child.

After facing these difficulties, the couple chose gestational surrogacy.

Their son, York Banks Asla, was born in January 2016 through a gestational surrogate.

Banks has described the experience as emotionally challenging and has spoken about how important it was to finally welcome her son after such a long journey.

Tyra Banks: IVF Before Welcoming Her Son Through Surrogacy
Tyra Banks: IVF Before Welcoming Her Son Through Surrogacy

Her story demonstrates how IVF and surrogacy can be combined as part of a broader family-building process.

9. Gabrielle Union: Repeated IVF Attempts and Surrogacy

Actress Gabrielle Union has been particularly open about her fertility struggles.

In her memoir, We're Going to Need More Wine, and subsequent interviews, Union discussed experiencing numerous pregnancy losses and undergoing multiple IVF cycles.

She also revealed that she had been diagnosed with adenomyosis, a condition that can affect the uterus and reproductive health.

In an essay published by TIME in 2021, Union explained that her doctors had recommended surrogacy after years of fertility difficulties.

Although she initially wanted to experience pregnancy herself, repeated losses and unsuccessful treatments eventually led her and her husband, former basketball player Dwyane Wade, to consider gestational surrogacy.

Their daughter, Kaavia James Union Wade, was born in November 2018 through a gestational surrogate.

Gabrielle Union: Repeated IVF Attempts and Surrogacy
Gabrielle Union: Repeated IVF Attempts and Surrogacy

Union later wrote about the complicated emotions surrounding this decision, including the grief of not carrying the pregnancy herself.

Her experience shows that the path to parenthood can involve several treatments and difficult personal decisions.

Celebrities Who Experienced Unsuccessful IVF Cycles

Not every fertility journey ends with a successful IVF pregnancy. Some celebrities have also shared their experiences with unsuccessful treatments, helping others understand that fertility treatment does not always produce the expected outcome.

10. Jaime King: Five IVF Cycles and Multiple Pregnancy Losses

Actress and model Jaime King has spoken openly about her long struggle with infertility.

In 2014, King shared a personal account of her fertility journey, revealing that she had experienced five miscarriages, undergone five IVF cycles, and completed 26 intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures.

She also discussed her diagnoses of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, which had contributed to her difficulties conceiving.

After years of treatment, King welcomed her first son, James Knight Newman, in 2013.

She later had another son, Leo Thames Newman, in 2015.

King's story is a reminder that fertility treatment can involve more than one procedure and that some patients need different approaches before achieving pregnancy.

It is also important to distinguish IUI from IVF. Although both are fertility treatments, they involve different procedures and should not be counted as the same type of treatment.

11. Jennifer Aniston: Opening Up About Unsuccessful IVF

Jennifer Aniston, the actress famous for playing Rachel Green in Friends, surprised many people when she discussed her fertility journey in a 2022 interview with Allure magazine.

For years, tabloids had speculated about her personal life and whether she wanted children. Aniston eventually revealed that she had privately tried to become pregnant and undergone IVF during her late 30s and 40s.

She described the process as challenging and explained that she had tried different approaches while hoping to conceive.

In the interview, she also mentioned trying alternative approaches, including Chinese teas, during her fertility journey.

However, her fertility treatments were unsuccessful, and she did not have children.

Aniston expressed regret that she had not received earlier guidance about egg freezing, saying that she would have considered preserving her eggs when she was younger.

Her decision to speak publicly about IVF helped challenge the assumption that every woman who undergoes fertility treatment eventually becomes a mother.

It also highlighted the importance of having accurate information about reproductive aging and fertility preservation.

12. Kourtney Kardashian: Five Failed IVF Cycles Before Natural Pregnancy

Reality television star Kourtney Kardashian has also shared details about her fertility treatment journey.

During her relationship with musician Travis Barker, Kardashian underwent IVF as they tried to have a child together.

She later revealed that she had experienced five unsuccessful IVF cycles and three egg retrieval procedures.

After approximately a year of treatment, the couple decided to stop IVF.

Interestingly, Kardashian subsequently became pregnant naturally. She and Barker welcomed their son, Rocky Thirteen Barker, in November 2023.

In a 2024 Instagram Q&A, Kardashian clarified that she conceived naturally approximately one year after stopping IVF.

Her experience is an important reminder that pregnancy after unsuccessful IVF treatment can sometimes occur naturally. However, her personal experience should not be interpreted as a prediction of what will happen for other patients.

Every fertility journey is different, and stopping treatment does not guarantee natural conception.

13. Hugh Jackman: IVF, Miscarriages, and Adoption

Actor Hugh Jackman and his former wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, have also discussed their struggles to become parents.

In a 2012 interview with Katie Couric, Jackman revealed that the couple had tried IVF but experienced multiple miscarriages.

He explained that adoption had always been part of their family plans, but their fertility difficulties led them to bring those plans forward.

The couple adopted their son, Oscar, and later their daughter, Ava.

Jackman has spoken about the emotional impact of pregnancy loss and the importance of discussing experiences that many couples go through privately.

Their story is different from those of celebrities who eventually had biological children through IVF, because the couple ultimately built their family through adoption.

Did Angelina Jolie, Serena Williams, or Other Celebrities Use IVF?

Some celebrities receive a large number of online searches related to IVF, even though they have not publicly confirmed undergoing fertility treatment.

It is important to distinguish between confirmed experiences and speculation.

Did Angelina Jolie Do IVF?

No. Angelina Jolie has not publicly confirmed using IVF.

In 2008, following speculation that she and Brad Pitt had used IVF to conceive their twins, Knox and Vivienne, Jolie reportedly told Hello! magazine that the twins were conceived without fertility treatment.

She also stated that the couple had not experienced fertility problems.

Therefore, Angelina Jolie should not be included in a list of celebrities who confirmed using IVF.

Did Serena Williams Have IVF?

Serena Williams has spoken publicly about her pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum health complications.

However, there is no reliable public confirmation that she used IVF to conceive her daughter, Olympia.

Her pregnancy and medical complications should not be interpreted as evidence of fertility treatment.

Did Anne Hathaway Use IVF?

Anne Hathaway has discussed pregnancy loss and the emotional challenges of pregnancy, but she has not publicly confirmed undergoing IVF.

Having children later in life does not establish that someone used fertility treatment.

Did Cameron Diaz Use IVF or a Surrogate?

Cameron Diaz has kept many details of her family life private.

Although her pregnancies and later motherhood have attracted considerable media attention, there is no reliable public confirmation that she used IVF, donor eggs, or a gestational surrogate.

Without a direct statement or reliable evidence, these claims should remain unconfirmed.

Did Hilary Swank Have IVF?

Hilary Swank welcomed twins, Aya and Ohm, in 2023 when she was 48.

Her pregnancy attracted attention because of her age, but she has not publicly confirmed that she used IVF to conceive her children.

A pregnancy at an older age is not, by itself, proof of IVF or egg donation.

Did Mariah Carey Use IVF?

Mariah Carey has discussed her pregnancy difficulties and the birth of her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, in 2011.

However, claims about the specific fertility treatment or use of donor eggs should not be presented as confirmed without reliable evidence from the singer or her representatives.

The same principle applies to other celebrities, including Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai, and Amal Clooney: pregnancy history alone cannot establish whether someone underwent IVF.

What Can We Learn From Celebrities Who Used IVF?

The fertility journeys shared by celebrities offer several important lessons for people considering IVF.

1. IVF does not guarantee pregnancy.

Some celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Kourtney Kardashian, have spoken about unsuccessful IVF cycles. Even with access to experienced fertility specialists, treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

2. More than one IVF cycle may be necessary.

Celine Dion's experience demonstrates that pregnancy may occur after several attempts. The number of cycles needed varies considerably between patients.

3. Age can influence fertility treatment outcomes.

Farah Khan's experience of becoming a mother at 43 shows that pregnancy through IVF can happen in the 40s. However, age remains an important factor in ovarian reserve, egg quality, and the likelihood of success.

4. Surrogacy and IVF can be used together.

Tyra Banks and Gabrielle Union demonstrate how intended parents may use IVF to create embryos and then choose gestational surrogacy when carrying a pregnancy themselves is not possible or appropriate.

5. Fertility struggles are nothing to be ashamed of.

Many celebrities have spoken publicly about miscarriage, infertility, and unsuccessful treatment to encourage more open conversations about reproductive health.

Ultimately, every person's fertility journey is different. A treatment that works for one couple may not produce the same outcome for another.

Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrities Who Did IVF

Which celebrities have had IVF?

Several celebrities have publicly discussed their IVF experiences, including Michelle Obama, Celine Dion, Courteney Cox, Chrissy Teigen, Farah Khan, Mahhi Vij, Emma Thompson, Tyra Banks, Gabrielle Union, Jaime King, Jennifer Aniston, Kourtney Kardashian, and Hugh Jackman.

Their experiences range from successful IVF pregnancies to unsuccessful treatment cycles and alternative paths to parenthood.

Which celebrities had babies through IVF?

Celebrities who have publicly discussed having children following IVF include Michelle Obama, Celine Dion, Courteney Cox, Chrissy Teigen, Farah Khan, Mahhi Vij, and Emma Thompson.

Some other celebrities, including Tyra Banks and Gabrielle Union, underwent IVF but eventually welcomed children through gestational surrogacy.

Who are some famous people born through IVF?

Louise Brown is the best-known example. Born on July 25, 1978, she was the world's first baby born following successful IVF treatment.

She later became an advocate for fertility awareness and reproductive medicine.

Did Michelle Obama use IVF?

Yes. Michelle Obama confirmed in a 2018 interview with ABC News that she and Barack Obama used IVF to conceive their daughters, Malia and Sasha. She also discussed a miscarriage she experienced before undergoing fertility treatment.

Did Celine Dion have IVF?

Yes. Celine Dion underwent several IVF attempts before becoming pregnant with her twin boys, Nelson and Eddy. She revealed that her sixth attempt was successful.

Did Jennifer Aniston do IVF?

Yes. Jennifer Aniston confirmed in a 2022 interview with Allure that she underwent IVF while trying to become pregnant. She described the experience as challenging, and her treatment did not result in a pregnancy.

Did Kourtney Kardashian have IVF?

Yes. Kourtney Kardashian underwent five unsuccessful IVF cycles and three egg retrieval procedures before stopping treatment. She later conceived naturally and welcomed her son Rocky in 2023.

Did Tyra Banks use IVF or surrogacy?

Tyra Banks experienced IVF treatment before choosing gestational surrogacy. Her son, York Banks Asla, was born in January 2016 through a surrogate.

Did Angelina Jolie use IVF?

Angelina Jolie has not confirmed using IVF. In 2008, she reportedly denied claims that she and Brad Pitt had used fertility treatment to conceive their twins.

Did Serena Williams use IVF?

Serena Williams has discussed her pregnancy and childbirth experiences, but she has not publicly confirmed using IVF. Her pregnancy complications do not establish that she underwent fertility treatment.

Can IVF work after several unsuccessful attempts?

Yes. Some people achieve pregnancy after multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, as Celine Dion's experience illustrates. However, the likelihood of success depends on individual factors, including age, ovarian reserve, embryo quality, and the underlying cause of infertility.

A fertility specialist can help determine whether another cycle or a different treatment approach is appropriate.

Are IVF babies different from naturally conceived babies?

IVF babies are not a separate category of children in terms of identity or family relationships. IVF is a method of conception in which an egg is fertilized with sperm outside the body before an embryo is transferred to the uterus.

Being born through IVF does not automatically mean a child will have health or developmental problems. As with any pregnancy, outcomes depend on multiple genetic, medical, and pregnancy-related factors.

Exploring Fertility Treatment Options

The experiences of celebrities who have undergone IVF show that there is no single path to parenthood. Some people achieve pregnancy after their first treatment cycle, while others need several attempts or consider alternatives such as egg donation, embryo donation, or gestational surrogacy.

At VitaLife, we understand that choosing a fertility treatment involves medical, emotional, and financial considerations. We help intended parents explore fertility treatment options in Iran, including IVF, egg donation, embryo-related services, and surrogacy programs.

If you are considering fertility treatment, learning about the available options and discussing your circumstances with qualified fertility specialists can help you make a more informed decision.

Contact VitaLife to learn more about fertility treatment options in Iran and the services available to international intended parents.

VitaLife Editorial Team
Fertility & Family-Building Editorial Team
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