kem.“Gotta Be A Better Way To Phrase That”: People Are Having Mixed Reactions To The Reason Jennifer Aniston Has Never Adopted Kids
In recent years, Jennifer Aniston has been open about her fertility struggles.
Most recently, the Friends alum told Harper’s Bazaar that past tabloid scrutiny and pregnancy speculation massively impacted her. “They didn’t know my story, or what I’d been going through over the past 20 years to try to pursue a family, because I don’t go out there and tell them my medical woes,” she said.
“That’s not anybody’s business. But there comes a point when you can’t not hear it – the narrative about how I won’t have a baby, won’t have a family, because I’m selfish, a workaholic. It does affect me – I’m just a human being. We’re all human beings. That’s why I thought, What the hell?” she said.
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After Jen and Brad Pitt got divorced in 2005, unfounded rumors claimed that her dedication to her career was what led to the breakdown of their marriage.
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This week, Jennifer — who has talked candidly about trying anything to get pregnant, including going through — opened up about why she has never been interested in adopting a child.
During an appearance on a podcast, Jen, now 56, began by noting that it’s “so peaceful” accepting her infertility. “I will say there’s a point where it’s, like, out of my control. There’s literally nothing I can do about it,” she shared, per People.
Jen went on to explain why she doesn’t “want” to adopt. “When people say, ‘But you can adopt,’ I don’t want to adopt. I want my own DNA in a little person. That’s the only way, selfish or not, whatever that is, I’ve wanted it,” she said.
Jennifer later added of parenthood, “It just wasn’t in the plan, whatever the plan was,” while also noting, “It’s very emotional, especially in the moment when they say ‘that’s it,’ because there is a weird moment when that happens.”
Reacting to Jen’s quotes online, fans were pretty divided. Some people took issue with her comments, with one person writing, “i know this is judgmental of me but i always feel weird when people insist they could only raise a kid if they were biologically related. parenthood isn’t just spreading your genes to the next generation, it’s about loving your child and taking care of them. it should not matter what their DNA is!”
“This is a gross take imo, especially from someone who wants and is well off enough to adopt multiple children. DNA is not what makes your kids your kids,” said another.
“This statement makes me uncomfortable for some reason,” someone said, while another user simply suggested, “Gotta be a better way to phrase that.”
At the same time, other fans defended Jen. One user said, “She’s going to get flamed for this, but honestly, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this stance, and she does acknowledge some people may find it selfish. I think it makes sense for her to address it, considering how many ‘why doesn’t she just adopt???’ comments she gets…Adoption is not for everyone, and the onus to adopt should not solely be placed on infertile people. Wanting a child doesn’t mean adoption is the right choice for you, and that’s OK, which seems to be what she’s trying to say.”
“I have never had nor wanted to have children, so I don’t know what most people think. But I assume they probably think something like that. They just don’t vocalize it. I guess it’s good to be aware and be honest, if you’re already having the conversation rather than dressing it up as something it’s not,” someone else suggested.
