Supermodel and TV host shares emotional journey to motherhood through IVF
Tyra Banks, the iconic supermodel and host of America’s Next Top Model, recently opened up about her deeply personal experience with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the emotional toll it took on her. During the April 14 episode of TODAY with Jenna & Friends, Banks shared candid reflections on what it was like to go through IVF, admitting that at times she “felt so inadequate” as she struggled to conceive her son, York Banks Asla.
In 2016, Banks and her former partner, Erik Asla, welcomed their son through surrogacy. Their journey to parenthood wasn’t easy, but it was filled with both heartache and hope. Reflecting on her experiences, Banks spoke openly about how IVF had a profound impact on her, especially knowing that it was her “last of my eggs.”
“I remember being 24 years old, and I kept thinking, ‘In three years, I’m going to have a child… and I kept putting my career first,'” Banks shared. “Then, it was almost too late.” The now 51-year-old Banks, who had focused much of her energy on her career, felt that the pressure to be both a successful supermodel and a mother often created a sense of inadequacy.
IVF: A Life-Changing Experience
For many women, the decision to go through IVF is filled with uncertainty, physical strain, and emotional roller coasters. Banks, too, faced moments where the process left her feeling defeated. “IVF saved me,” she said, clearly emotional as she reflected on the weight of the decision to undergo the procedure. Despite the toll it took on her body and her psyche, the outcome was nothing short of miraculous.
Her son, York, whom she affectionately refers to as a “miracle baby,” was born via surrogacy. Banks, who openly expressed her gratitude for the “angel of a woman” who carried York, calls him her greatest blessing. With a smile, she said, “It is the most amazing thing,” emphasizing how much motherhood has meant to her.
A Mother’s Journey: From Career to Parenthood
In the candid conversation with co-host Jenna Bush Hager, Banks reflected on her early years and how her relentless focus on her career led to her putting off her dream of having children. “I kept putting my career first, and then it was almost too late,” she admitted, acknowledging how her priorities had shifted as she grew older.
Banks’ story is not uncommon. Many women face the decision to delay motherhood in pursuit of their professional goals, often grappling with the reality that the biological clock doesn’t wait. Banks’ heartfelt admission resonated with many listeners, as it shed light on the real pressures women face in balancing career aspirations with personal dreams.
Despite her initial doubts, Banks never gave up on her dream of becoming a mother. IVF gave her the chance she needed, and she credits it for making her motherhood dreams come true.
York Banks Asla: The Light of Her Life
Banks’ son, York, is now 9 years old. As a mother, Banks has always been candid about the joy and challenges of raising him. She has expressed how much her life has changed since his arrival, highlighting how York’s presence has brought immense happiness and purpose to her world.
In the interview, when Jenna Bush Hager asked if being a mother was one of the best things in the world, Banks’ response was simple but filled with emotion: “Isn’t being a mom one of the best things in the world?”
For Banks, motherhood didn’t just change her life—it also helped her redefine what success means. While her career remains a priority, being a mother is a role she cherishes more than anything.
A Candid Reflection on Fertility Struggles
The emotional weight of discussing IVF wasn’t lost on Banks. It’s a topic that many women find difficult to discuss openly, especially in the public eye. Yet, by sharing her story, Banks is helping normalize the conversation about fertility struggles. In doing so, she not only gives hope to other women who may be facing similar challenges, but she also provides a sense of solidarity for those feeling isolated in their own struggles.
Her openness is a reminder that the road to parenthood is different for everyone, and there is no single “right” way to become a mother. For some, it may involve IVF or surrogacy. For others, it may mean a different path altogether. But no matter how a child comes into the world, the love and joy they bring are what truly matter.
As Tyra Banks continues to navigate her personal life and career, her story remains a powerful example of resilience and the importance of pursuing dreams—no matter how difficult the journey may seem.
