Selena Gomez Reveals She Can’t Have Children But Remains Determined to Become a Mom

Selena Gomez has shared an emotional update about her future as a mother, candidly revealing that her health struggles mean she will not be able to carry her own children. Despite the difficult reality, the singer and actress says she has made peace with it and is looking forward to the different paths that could lead her to motherhood.

A history of health challenges

The Only Murders in the Building star has been open about her health for years. Diagnosed with lupus in 2013, Selena later underwent a life-saving kidney transplant. In addition, she has spoken publicly about her diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which she discussed in depth in her Apple TV+ documentary My Mind and Me.

While these medical conditions have forced her to confront many obstacles, one of the hardest has been accepting that carrying her own children would put both her life and a baby’s life at risk.

Selena’s reflections on family

In a new interview with Time magazine, Selena revealed how deeply important the idea of family is to her.

“Before I met my boyfriend, I was single for five years, with the exception of going on a few dates,” she said. “And I was like, ‘Okay, if this is the vibe, then what is the most important thing to me? Family.”

She admitted that being alone shaped her perspective, explaining:

“I was alone for five years, and I got really used to it. A lot of people are afraid of being alone and I probably tortured myself in my head for like two years being alone, and then I kind of accepted it. Then I came up with my plan, which was I was going to adopt at 35 if I had not met anyone."

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Selena addressed for the first time the painful reality of her fertility struggles.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Selena addressed for the first time the painful reality of her fertility struggles.

"I haven’t ever said this, but I unfortunately can’t carry my own children. I have a lot of medical issues that would put my life and the baby’s in jeopardy. That was something I had to grieve for a while."

But even through the grief, she has found hope in other paths.

"I find it a blessing that there are wonderful people willing to do surrogacy or adoption, which are both huge possibilities for me. It made me really thankful for the other outlets for people who are dying to be moms. I'm one of those people. I'm excited for what that journey will look like, but it'll look a little different. At the end of the day, I don't care. It'll be mine. It'll be my baby."

Selena has said she would love to become a mum, whether through adoption or surrogacy

Benny Blanco shares her dream of parenthood

Selena’s fiancé, music producer Benny Blanco, has also spoken about his desire to become a parent. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, he said:

"Always let your child explore. Love them unconditionally. Follow the vision and don’t give up, but also teach your kid great foundational tips on how to treat themselves, how to treat women and men, and respect and just love and, you know, all the things.…"

He echoed similar sentiments in InStyle, sharing:

“I love kids; I love being an uncle, I want to be a dad, though, God willing. I'm just dreaming and praying every day." He previously told Howard Stern that having children was his "next goal on the box," adding, "I've got a lotta good kids, I've got a ton of nephews. It's my thing. I love being around kids."

Selena’s fiancé, music producer Benny Blanco, has also made it clear he would love to be a dad

Looking ahead

This isn’t the first time Selena has reflected on her longing for motherhood. Back in 2022, she told Rolling Stone that she broke down in her car after visiting a friend who was trying to conceive.

“That’s a very big, big present thing in my life. However, I’m meant to have them, I will."

Now, with her partner equally eager to start a family, Selena seems more hopeful than ever. Whether through adoption or surrogacy, she has made it clear that her dream of becoming a mother is not over — it will simply take a different path.