After Years of Speculation, Jennifer Aniston Is Setting the Record Straight About Pursuing Motherhood and Her Fertility Struggles

Jennifer Aniston is an actor and cultural icon we've known and loved throughout her 30 years in the spotlight. Fans and tabloids have openly questioned why she never had children despite her widespread popularity and success, and now at 53, she's putting all of the hurtful theories to rest.

In a new interview with Allure, Aniston revealed that she did try to become a mother several years ago through IVF.

"It was really hard…I was throwing everything at it," she said. "I would’ve given anything if someone had said to me, ‘Freeze your eggs. Do yourself a favor.’ You just don’t think it. So here I am today. The ship has sailed.”

With "zero regrets," Aniston says she now finds a sense of relief not having to think about the possibility anymore. Here at The Sunday Paper, we were struck by Aniston’s willingness to be so vulnerable and loved so much about what she shared.

For starters, Aniston didn't share the story of her IVF journey until she was ready—though she had to dodge unfair speculation and media coverage for decades. Now that she has shared her story, women who’ve gone through a similar experience can find comfort in being reminded they are not alone.

It also reminded us of the fact that we never know what someone might be going through behind the scenes, and it's not our place to judge someone else's major life decisions.

Finally, Aniston is a powerful example that being a mother does not necessarily make you a woman. Motherhood is a beautiful experience, of course, but women can also be complete and fulfilled without having children.

Question from the editor: Was there a time that finally sharing your story brought you relief or comforted others in their journey?