Lily Collins is celebrating a major milestone as she welcomes her first child with husband Charlie McDowell. The Emily in Paris star shared the joyful news on February 1, revealing that their daughter, Tove Jane McDowell, was born via surrogate.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Collins expressed gratitude for the surrogate who helped them on their journey to parenthood. She described their daughter as the center of their world and thanked those who supported them throughout the process. While many fans showered the couple with love and congratulations, some took issue with their decision to use a surrogate.
Collins, 35, has been open about her past health struggles, particularly her battle with anorexia, which she previously admitted could impact her ability to conceive naturally. In a past interview, she shared that her fears about infertility motivated her to seek help, emphasizing how much she had always wanted to become a mother.
Charlie McDowell Defends Lily Collins From Harsh Critics
Despite the excitement surrounding their baby news, Collins and McDowell quickly found themselves at the center of online criticism. Some social media users questioned why the couple opted for surrogacy, prompting McDowell to directly address the backlash.
McDowell, 41, called out the negative comments as ignorant, stating that it is okay for people to not understand surrogacy. However, he urged critics to refrain from spreading hateful remarks, especially when directed at a child who is deeply loved. His response resonated with many fans, who defended Collins and her right to make personal medical decisions.
Collins has been vocal about her personal challenges, particularly how her past eating disorder affected her health. In a 2017 interview, she admitted that the possibility of infertility due to her past struggles was a significant concern. She later revealed that her dream of having children was a key motivator in her recovery journey.
Lily Collins’ Journey to Motherhood
The actress, who is the daughter of music legend Phil Collins, married McDowell in 2021 after a whirlwind romance. Throughout their relationship, she has often spoken about her desire to build a family. The couple’s decision to turn to surrogacy aligns with Collins’ previous comments about prioritizing her health and well-being while ensuring she could experience motherhood.
While the backlash has cast a shadow over what should be a celebratory moment, Collins continues to focus on her growing family. Supporters have flooded her social media with positive messages, reminding her that personal choices regarding parenthood should be met with respect rather than judgment.
As Collins embraces this new chapter, she remains an advocate for open conversations about health, fertility, and the different paths to becoming a parent. With McDowell standing firmly by her side, the couple is now settling into life as a family of three, choosing love over negativity.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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