Martina Navratilova’s Surrogacy

Martina Navratilova’s surrogacy controversy reignited fierce debate over reproductive ethics, LGBTQ+ family rights, and the responsibilities of public figures in shaping social discourse.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova is no stranger to bold moves—on or off the court. But her recent comments on surrogacy have sparked a firestorm of criticism, raising questions about reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ family-building, and the power of public figures to shape social discourse.

The Comment That Sparked It All

In July 2025, Navratilova shared a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter) stating, “Surrogacy is just wrong. Sometimes you can’t have it all.” The post, captured in screenshots and widely circulated online, ignited immediate backlash from fans, celebrities, and LGBTQ+ advocates.

What made the comment particularly controversial is that Navratilova and her wife, Julia Lemigova—star of The Real Housewives of Miami—recently adopted two young boys. Critics were quick to point out what they saw as hypocrisy: condemning one form of non-traditional family-building while embracing another.

Applause and Outrage

The response was swift and polarized. Bravo host Andy Cohen called her stance “ill-informed and dumb,” emphasizing that surrogacy has helped countless LGBTQ+ individuals and couples become parents. Others defended Navratilova’s right to express her opinion, arguing that ethical concerns around surrogacy—especially commercial surrogacy—deserve open discussion.

Some fans expressed disappointment, noting that Navratilova has long been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights. “It feels like a betrayal,” one commenter wrote. “She benefited from progressive family laws, but now she’s drawing lines.”

The Bigger Picture: Ethics and Emotions

Navratilova’s comment touches on a deeply complex issue. Surrogacy, especially in the U.S., exists in a legal and ethical gray zone. While it offers hope to families who cannot conceive, critics argue that it can exploit economically vulnerable women and commodify childbirth.

Her statement—“Sometimes you can’t have it all”—suggests a belief that parenthood should not be pursued at any cost. But for many LGBTQ+ couples, surrogacy is one of the few viable paths to biological parenthood.

A Legacy in Question?

Martina Navratilova stance on surrogacy may not erase her legacy, but it has certainly complicated it. As the conversation continues, it gives an instance that even celebrities may cause controversy and that equality and parenthood are rarely easy journeys.

FAQs on Martina Navratilova’s Surrogacy Controversy

1. What did Martina Navratilova say about surrogacy?

She reportedly posted on social media: “Surrogacy is just wrong. Sometimes you can’t have it all.” The post was later deleted but widely circulated and criticized.

2. Why was her comment controversial?

Navratilova is a prominent LGBTQ+ figure and recently adopted children with her wife, Julia Lemigova. Critics saw her stance as hypocritical and dismissive of one of the few paths to parenthood for LGBTQ+ couples.

3. Did she clarify or apologize for her statement?

As of now, Navratilova has not issued a formal apology or detailed clarification. The post was deleted, but she has not publicly walked back the sentiment.

4. How did the LGBTQ+ community respond?

Many LGBTQ+ advocates and celebrities condemned the statement, emphasizing that surrogacy is a vital option for same-sex couples who want biological children.

5. Is surrogacy common among LGBTQ+ families?

Yes. Surrogacy is one of the few ways gay men can have biological children, and it’s increasingly used by LGBTQ+ couples seeking to build families.