The Kardashian Family's Surrogacy Journey: Medical Necessity and Public Advocacy

The Kardashian family has become prominent advocates for gestational surrogacy, using their platform to discuss the medical realities that led them to this family-building option. Their public discussions have helped normalize surrogacy and educate the public about when it becomes a medical necessity rather than a choice.

Kim Kardashian's Medical Complications

Kim Kardashian's decision to use surrogacy was driven by serious medical complications from her first two pregnancies. After North West's birth, Kim developed placenta accreta, a condition where "the placenta grows inside your uterus" and can be life-threatening. As she explained, "it's honestly what people would die from in childbirth."

The condition required extensive medical intervention. Doctors had to "cut the placenta off with his hands" inside of her, which "left a hole" in her uterus. "And so that muscle doesn't grow back," Kim noted. During her second pregnancy with Saint West, she also developed preeclampsia, further complicating her medical situation.

The complications were severe enough to require multiple surgeries. Kim experienced both conditions during Saint's pregnancy, which "necessitated five surgeries after his birth to repair the damage." Medical professionals advised against future pregnancies, telling her that "the doctors don't feel like it's safe for me."

The Move to Gestational Surrogacy

Due to Kim's "high-risk and difficult pregnancies, and doctor's recommendations," she and Kanye decided "to use gestational surrogates to carry Chicago and Psalm for them. The women were implanted with the embryos made with the rapper's sperm and Kim's eggs."

When Chicago was born in January 2018, Kim stated: "Kanye and I are happy to announce the arrival of our healthy, beautiful baby girl. We are incredibly grateful to our surrogate who made our dreams come true with the greatest gift one could give."

Khloé Kardashian's Experience

Khloé Kardashian also used surrogacy for her second child after doctors advised that she would "likely be unable to carry a baby herself again." She has "previously opened up about her difficulties embracing surrogacy after carrying her first child."

Khloé and Tristan Thompson welcomed their son via surrogate in July 2022. The process presented emotional challenges, as Khloé had to adapt to not carrying the pregnancy herself while managing personal circumstances.

Despite speculation, Khloé clarified that she "never been a surrogate for Kim or anyone" and has "had one pregnancy that I've carried and that was True."

Processing the Emotional Aspects

Kim has been direct about the psychological adjustment required for surrogacy. Initially, "Kim could not get used to the idea that she was not carrying her third child." This reaction illustrates a common experience for intended parents - that surrogacy requires emotional processing even when it's medically necessary.

The family's candor about these challenges has provided insight into the surrogacy experience for other families considering this option.

Impact on Public Perception

The Kardashians have helped make "gestational surrogacy, a practice where a woman carries and gives birth to a child that is genetically unrelated to her for another individual or couple" more "well-known, especially among high-profile figures." Their visibility has contributed to broader public understanding of surrogacy as a legitimate medical option.

By discussing their experiences openly, the family has helped educate the public about the medical circumstances that lead families to surrogacy and the process involved for all parties.

Celebrity Influence on Surrogacy Awareness

The Kardashians join other celebrity couples "who grew their families with surrogates,"

contributing to increased mainstream awareness of surrogacy. This visibility helps normalize the process and provides examples for families considering similar paths.

Key Takeaways

The Kardashian surrogacy experience highlights several important points:

Medical Reality: Their story demonstrates that surrogacy is often medically necessary rather than elective, particularly for those with pregnancy complications.

Emotional Adjustment: Intended parents may need time to adapt to surrogacy, even when it's the safest option available.

Professional Support: The family's experience underscores the importance of working with qualified medical teams and experienced surrogacy professionals.

Outcome Success: Despite the different path, surrogacy enabled both Kim and Khloé to expand their families safely.

Professional Guidance Matters

The Kardashian experience demonstrates the importance of proper medical evaluation and professional surrogacy services. Working with experienced teams - from reproductive endocrinologists who assess risks to agencies that facilitate the process - is essential for successful outcomes.

Looking at Surrogacy Practically

The Kardashian family's openness about their surrogacy experiences has provided practical insight into this family-building option. Their story shows that when medical circumstances make traditional pregnancy risky or impossible, surrogacy can provide a viable alternative.

At Patriot Conceptions, we work with families facing various medical and personal circumstances that make surrogacy appropriate for their situation. Each family's journey is unique, and we provide the professional support and guidance needed throughout the process.

Sources

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2. Yahoo Entertainment. (2023, May 25). Why Did Kim and Khloe Kardashian Use Surrogates? Everything the 'KUWTK' Alums Have Said.

3. L'OFFICIEL USA. (2023, January 25). 9 Celebrity Couples With Babies Via Surrogate.

4. E! Online. (2024, July 16). Khloe Kardashian Reveals Whether She Was Ever a Surrogate for Kim Kardashian.

5. Tsong Law. (2025, February 19). How many babies through surrogacy have the Kardashians had?

6. Infertility Aide. (2024, September 28). Kim Kardashian's IVF & Surrogacy journey.

7. ABC News. (2018, March 14). Kim Kardashian West explains why she chose a surrogate for her third child.

8. The Fertility Agency. (2022, December 20). Khloé Kardashian and Surrogacy.

9. Star Family. (2024, March 15). Kim Kardashian IVF, Pregnancies and Children.

10. E! Online. (2020, February 11). Why Kim Kardashian Thought She Had a Miscarriage During North West Pregnancy.

11. E! Online. (2019, December 13). Kim Kardashian Opens Up About IVF and Undergoing 5 Operations After Pregnancy With Saint.

12. Reality TV Shrine. (2025, February 7). Here's what the Kardashian sisters have said about why they use surrogates.

13. Today. (2019, December 13). Kim Kardashian West reveals she had 5 surgeries after pregnancy complications.

14. Live Science. (2017, June 21). Kim & Kanye Plan Another Baby: 4 Reasons Why Couples Use Surrogates.