Award-winning Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has revealed that she became a mother of twins through surrogacy, addressing long-standing stigma around non-traditional paths to parenthood in Nigeria.

Speaking at the debut live edition of the WithChude podcast in Lagos, hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, the 47-year-old author shared that her decision to go public was driven by a desire to help other women feel less isolated and judged.

“I want women to feel less ashamed for embracing non-traditional ways of becoming mothers,” Adichie said. “You can’t pretend two beautiful human beings don’t exist. People seemed more focused on the fact that I had babies at 47, but I believe in being honest, especially when it can help others.”

The Enugu-born novelist, known for literary works such as Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, had previously kept her children’s birth private, citing their protection. However, public curiosity about her age and sudden appearance as a mother led to speculation—and assumptions she could no longer ignore.

She recalled, “Some people complimented how great I looked after childbirth, but I couldn’t say thank you—because it wasn’t true.”

Adichie also highlighted the silent struggles many women face, including infertility, fibroids, and the pressure to conceive, adding that Nigerian society often subjects them to harsh judgment or exclusion.

Despite mixed reactions, Adichie made it clear that she has no regrets about sharing her story. In a society where surrogacy is still considered taboo, her decision to speak up is being praised as a bold move toward redefining motherhood and breaking harmful stereotypes.

Her openness not only sheds light on the evolving realities of parenthood but also encourages empathy, honesty, and freedom of choice for women navigating fertility challenges.