Goddess: celebrity moms

• 'Spotlight to Nightlight': Celebrity Surrogacy

  posted by Ali Landry - Fri Jun 26 2009, 3:06 AM PDT

  celebs: Ali Landry | Marissa Jaret Winokur | Sarah Jessica Parker | Matthew Broderick
  topics: Kids

  A star is born ... make that two! Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick welcomed twin girls, Marion and Tabitha, into the world on June 23. The duo join an elite group of celebrity twins born via surrogate to the families of Angela Bassett, Robert DeNiro, and Dennis Quaid, among others. Thanks to the media blitz and celebrity exposure, the once taboo subject of surrogacy has found its way into the mainstream. And despite a price tag that can reach well past $100K, business seems to be booming! Or is it wombing? On this episode of "Spotlight to Nightlight," host Ali
  Landry talks with "Hairspray's" Marissa Jaret Winokur about her experience with surrogacy and what it's like to let go so a miracle can happen.

  Click here for the Spanish version.

  
  
  Ali's Take
  I am so thankful that my husband and I were able to conceive Estella naturally, but what if things are not as easy on our next try? Although many couples have found themselves unable to have children, there are options available today to make their dreams come true such as infertility treatments, adoption, and surrogacy, both traditional and gestational. With more exposure in the media, surrogacy has become less taboo and families are becoming aware of it as an additional option when other methods are not working. Traditional surrogacy involves a surrogate using her own eggs, which are fertilized using artificial insemination or IVF. Gestational surrogacy (like Marissa Jaret Winokur's) involves using the biological mother's (or a donor's) egg, which is fertilized and transferred to the uterus of the surrogate. Marissa created a very close bond with her surrogate. She was able to go doctors appointments with her and was also present for the birth of her son, Zev.
  
  I was so inspired when I interviewed Marissa. Before ever meeting her, I remember watching her compete on "Dancing With the Stars." She touched and inspired so many women and also educated them on surrogacy at the same time. Like a lot of other viewers, I was rooting for her and was so excited for the journey that she was on. I was thrilled when I heard about the birth of her beautiful baby boy, knowing how long she had been waiting for him. I was so happy that she educated herself on all of the options and possibilities that made her realize her dream of being a mother.
  
  For women who really want a biological child but are unable to carry one on their own, we see that it can be achieved. Marissa said she was so scared of the prospect of not being able to have a baby after her battle with cancer. She would have given anything to carry the child on her own, but was so blessed with a wonderful surrogate that is still a part of her family's life. The more we talk about and share our stories with each other these struggles become far less scary. Thank you, Marissa!

  And special thanks to Tough Cookies Children's Boutique in Sherman Oaks, California, for hosting us.

  Marissa Jaret Winokur plays with her son, Zev, who will turn 1 on July 22. Courtesy Marissa Jaret Winokur

  Check out Marissa's new Weight Loss Dance Challenge Show, "Dance Your A** Off" premiering on Oxygen, Monday, June 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
  
  And don't forget to follow Ali on Twitter!

  Check out past episodes of "Spotlight to Nightlight":

  Hollywood Fatherhood

  The Name Game

  Blowout Birthday Parties

  Mompreneurs

  Expect the Unexpected

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