Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston has opened up about her long and emotional journey with fertility and revealed why she ultimately chose not to adopt a child.
The Friends actress, 56, was married to Brad Pitt from 2000 to 2005, and later to actor Justin Theroux in 2015 before their split two years later. Throughout both high-profile marriages, Jennifer faced intense public scrutiny over her decision to remain child-free.
Speaking recently, the award-winning actress reflected on her 20-year struggle to start a family, admitting that she had once tried various means but eventually came to terms with her reality.
In a forthcoming episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, Jennifer shared that adoption was never part of her plan — despite ongoing public suggestions that it could be an option.
“When people say, ‘But you can adopt,’ I don’t want to adopt,” she explained.
“I want my own DNA in a little person. That’s the only way — selfish or not — I’ve wanted it.”
Aniston said she eventually found peace after letting go of the desire to control the outcome:
“It’s so peaceful. But there’s a point where it’s out of my control. There’s literally nothing I can do about it.”
She admitted that while she sometimes imagined having children with former partners — thinking they would have “made some good kids” — the feeling would quickly fade.
“It just wasn’t in the plan, whatever the plan was,” she added.
Jennifer also addressed the harsh narratives that followed her for years, often labeling her as selfish or too career-focused.
“They didn’t know my story or what I’d been going through for twenty years to pursue a family,” 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 because I’m selfish or a workaholic. It does affect me — I’m just a human being.”
Now, the beloved actress says she has found acceptance and peace with her life as it is — a message of resilience that continues to resonate deeply with her fans worldwide.
