Paris Hilton, the iconic socialite and business mogul, recently welcomed her second child, daughter London, through surrogacy with husband Carter Reum. In an exclusive interview with motherhood-centric publication Romper, the Paris In Love star candidly discussed the deeply personal reasons behind opting for surrogacy once again.
Hilton bravely opened up about the profound impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from her troubled teenage years at Utah’s Provo Canyon School. She revealed that even routine visits to the doctor triggered severe panic attacks, leading her to recognize the potential harm of being in such a setting for both her and the unborn child. Hilton explained, “I just knew that would not be healthy for me or the baby, growing inside of someone who has such high anxiety.”
The entrepreneur and reality TV personality previously disclosed the traumatic experiences during her year-long stay at the school, alleging physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, including non-consensual and invasive gynecological examinations, in a 2020 interview with People Magazine. Hilton has been transparent about her fear of pregnancy, ranking it among the two most intimidating aspects of her life, alongside death.
In addition to her traumatic past, Hilton highlighted her bustling work schedule as a significant factor in choosing surrogacy. Balancing multiple projects and businesses, including Hilton Hotels, the 11:11 media company, a podcast, a reality show, and a kitchenware line, while concurrently working on new music, made the practicality of maternity leave challenging for the entrepreneur.
Despite her demanding schedule, Hilton chose not to take maternity leave after welcoming her son Phoenix earlier in the year and now daughter London around Thanksgiving. Hilton, who remains open to the possibility of a third child, expressed that starting a family has brought a profound sense of completeness to her life.
Paris Hilton’s surrogacy journey not only reflects her resilience in overcoming past traumas but also underscores the complexities and choices involved in modern motherhood, especially for those navigating the lingering effects of significant life experiences.