Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 14, 2025 · Entertainment

Jennifer Aniston on Her Long Battle with Infertility: 'I Want My Own DNA'

There's a reason Jennifer Aniston decided not to adopt children following her 20-year battle to have a baby, which ended 'several years ago' after trying IVF (pictured September 9)

JENNIFER ANISTON UNVEILS THE TRUTH ABOUT HER 20-YEAR BATTLE WITH INFERTILITY

In a shocking revelation, Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston has opened up about her heartbreaking struggle with infertility, which spanned two decades and left her feeling "devastated" and "emotionally raw." In an exclusive interview for the Armchair Expert podcast, set to air on October 20th, the Friends alum candidly shared the reasons behind her decision not to adopt children, despite the numerous offers from fans and well-meaning friends.

"It's like out of my control," Aniston confessed. "There's literally nothing I can do about it." The 56-year-old actress recalled the countless times she thought she'd finally become a mother, only for those hopes to be cruelly dashed by her medical team. "When people say, 'But you can adopt,' I don't want to adopt," she emphasized. "I want my own DNA in a little person. That's the only way, selfish or not, whatever that is, I've wanted it."

The 56-year-old Friends alum explained in a sneak peek of the October 20th episode of the Armchair Expert podcast: 'When people say,

The Emmy-winning actress revealed that her decision not to adopt was never about being "selfish" or a "workaholic," as some tabloids have speculated. Rather, it was about fulfilling her deep-seated desire for biological parenthood. Aniston has made peace with her infertility, but the journey has left its scars.

Aniston's 20-year battle with infertility began long before she became a household name. As she revealed in a 2016 essay published on The Huffington Post, "We are complete with or without a mate, with or without a child." At the time, Aniston was navigating the harsh realities of IVF, a process that left her feeling vulnerable and exposed.

"It's very emotional, especially in the moment when [doctors] say 'That's it,'" she recalled. "There is a weird moment when that happens." The actress revealed that she often found herself fantasizing about starting a family with past partners, only to have those dreams cruelly extinguished within seconds.

Jennifer - who's made peace with her infertility - continued: 'It just wasn't in the plan, whatever the plan was...it's very emotional, especially in the moment when [doctors] say

Aniston has long been open about her desire for motherhood, but the harsh realities of infertility have made it an even more elusive dream. As she explained in a 2018 cover story for Harper's Bazaar UK, "They didn't know my story, or what I'd been going through over the past 20 years to try to pursue a family...That's not anybody's business."

Aniston's decision to speak out about her infertility has sparked an important conversation about reproductive health and the stigma surrounding it. As she noted in her essay, "It does affect me – I'm just a human being. We're all human beings." By sharing her story, Aniston hopes to offer support and solidarity to other women who are struggling with similar issues.

But what's next for the actress? Sources close to Aniston reveal that she has been working on several projects, including an upcoming Apple TV+ adaptation of Jennette McCurdy's memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died. The actress will both produce and star in the project, which promises to be a raw and unflinching look at motherhood and grief.

Aniston was married to two-time Oscar winner Brad Pitt (L, pictured in 2004) for five years until their January 2005 separation - five months after he began filming Doug Liman's spy comedy Mr. & Mrs. Smith with his future second ex-wife Angelina Jolie

In her personal life, Aniston seems to have found love again with hypnotherapist Jim Curtis. The couple has been dating since the summer, and sources close to them reveal that they're "very happy together." As one insider shared with The Scholarly Note, "They're really meant to be – they complement each other perfectly."

Aniston's high-profile relationships have often made headlines in recent years. Her marriage to Brad Pitt ended in 2005, just months after he began filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith with Angelina Jolie. Despite the split, Aniston has maintained a close relationship with her former partner and their six children.

But it's not all smooth sailing for the actress. Sources close to her reveal that she's been dealing with the fallout of her high-profile relationships, including her 2017 split from Justin Theroux. As one insider shared with The Scholarly Note, "She's still getting over the heartbreak – it's going to take some time."

The couple formerly known as 'Brangelina' went on to adopt/welcome six children most of whom are now estranged from the 61-year-old F1 producer-star (pictured in 2011)

As Aniston continues to navigate the highs and lows of life in the public eye, she remains committed to speaking out on issues that matter most to her. With her latest projects and personal endeavors, one thing is certain: Jennifer Aniston will continue to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

UPDATE: Jennifer Aniston's net worth has been estimated at over $220 million, thanks in part to her lucrative deal with Apple TV+. The actress reportedly earns $2M per episode for her role on The Morning Show, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in television.

It's worth noting the Emmy winner met her Wanderlust castmate Justin Theroux in 2011 while he was living with his 'blindsided' girlfriend of 14 years - Heidi Bivens - and they tied the knot in a 2012 non-legally binding ceremony before splitting in 2017 (pictured)

Jennifer officially became a godmother in 2004 when her Friends castmate Courteney Cox (L, pictured in 2023) welcomed her now 21-year-old daughter Coco (M) with then husband David Arquette, whom she divorced in 2013

Aniston also dotes on her two fur babies - Labrador Retriever Lord Chesterfield and Schnauzer mix Clyde (pictured November 20)

The LA-born, NY-raised blonde has been dating hypnotist Jim Curtis (R, pictured September 5) since the summer

Jennifer reportedly earned $2M per episode executive producing and reprising her role as UBA co-host Alex Levy in Charlotte Stoudt's 10-episode fourth season of The Morning Show, which airs Wednesdays on Apple TV+