Jillian MichaelsRemember about a year ago when everyone went OFF on Biggest Loser star Jillian Michaels for her comment that she'd like to adopt a child rather than get pregnant because "I can’t handle doing that to my body." Yeah, I remember too. It was kinda slightly pretty darn annoying at the time.
And, of course, as there often is, there's more to the story. There was something Michaels wasn't being completely honest about when she made that statement that's been haunting her ever since -- and that was her own personal struggle with infertility shame.
Jillian Michaels recently opened up very candidly to The New York Times about her infertility woes:
The reality is that I have endometriosis, and I most likely couldn't get pregnant. I've had the X-rays, my tubes are closed, the uterine lining is too thick, blah, blah, blah.
I was ashamed about it because I thought I’m supposed to be the healthiest woman in the world, and what does this say about me if I can’t have kids of my own. It was insecurity, which I have to work on.
Wow, that's really brave, honest, and beautifully introspective. It's never easy to face insecurity or shame or figure out that we behave certain ways or say certain things in direct reaction to that insecurity and shame.
(And while we're being honest here, I want to admit I was only mad at her for saying that last year because I was jealous that I never had a body like that to ruin.)
Make no mistake -- infertility issues can turn into their own kind of shame and insecurity for a lot of women, especially a person like Jillian Michaels who makes a buck off living and promoting healthy living. Obviously one has nothing to do with the other, in many cases, but that's not the perception to outsiders.
In exciting news, Michaels is working on adopting a baby from Africa. WATCH what she had to say recently about her ongoing adoption process:
Wishing Jillian all the luck and that a baby comes in her life soon!
Does this change how you feel about Jillian Michaels?
Image via NBC
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Comments 23
In all honesty, I thought it was silly that so many people were getting angry about her comment last year. She makes a living off her body and works very very very hard to keep in shape and looking a precise way. It's a scary thing for ANY mom to know her body is going to go haywire and balloon out and not be exactly the way it was before (heck, I'M terrified and often wonder what I got myself into!), but I can't imagine the fear in someone whose livelyhood is her body. I guess I understand why a lot of women got angry about the comment, but it was just that. A comment.
And now that she has shared this, I've gained respect for her. She's facing her fears, and is facing her insecurities. She really seems like a good woman.
I never heard her statement before... and I love her. I think that whenever a blanket statement like that is made you have to think that there might be more to the story. I am excited that she is adopting and giving a child who needs a good home a home. I wish her luck and can't wait to see how it all works out.
not really. We all have our insecurities, this is hers. I am suprised she blames herself, I thought endo was something you can't prevent. Whatever the case I wish her the best.
I don't blame her at all and not only do I not blame her, but I hope she as a health and fitness role model isn't afraid to talk about this kind of an issue. I don't think it's shallow or silly at all to think about what a pregnancy will do to your body . It seems crazy to me to NOT think about it. It is also relative as to how rough pregnancy will be on your body. Some women have an easier time with pregnancy (look at Gisele for example) and childbirth than others. A high risk pregnancy is going to be a lot harder on your body than a low risk one and it isn't always something that's as obvious as she looks good so therefore she's healthy, or that if someone is healthy in other aspects that they are going to be healthy in that aspect. There are a lot of things that women can do to help themselves in this area and one of those things might just be to know your limits.
I had absolutely no issues with her original comment - she's entitled to her opinion!! And not having kids already, I can see that she doesn't "get it" that kids are worth the hell that happens to your body. Totally not offended by her original comment. As for the new development....awwww. That is scary, and man I feel for her. Best of luck on her future as a mommy!!
Aww
I have no problem with her original statements either - not every woman wants to be a mother, and they shouldn't have to feel required to explain themselves or their reasons for not wanting to. I think people who got upset were just jealous (like the author admitted to being). That being said, I also struggle with fertility issues, and can completely understand the shame that it can create. This makes me like Jillian even more!