Maria Menounos Opens Up on Surrogacy Criticism

Maria Menounos, a former E! News host, revealed her emotional experience of being judged by friends after deciding to use a surrogate for her child due to medical advice. Following a brain tumor removal in 2017, Menounos was advised against pregnancy by her neurosurgeon, and she faced hurtful comments from a close friend questioning her decision. This led to Menounos severing ties with the friend, expressing disbelief at the judgment despite her circumstances. She and her husband, Keven Undergaro, struggled with infertility for a decade before welcoming their daughter Athena via surrogate in June 2023. Menounos has publicly thanked celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Zoe Saldana for their guidance in the surrogacy process. Despite the judgment from some, Menounos describes Athena as a miracle and expresses immense gratitude for her family.