Hilary Swank Addresses Backlash Over Late-Life Pregnancy

Actress Hilary Swank has responded to criticism regarding women having children later in life, after announcing her pregnancy at age 52. Swank, known for her roles in "Yellowjackets" and "Million Dollar Baby," confirmed she is expecting another child with her husband, Philip Schneider.

Swank appeared on "The Drew Barrymore Show" to discuss her pregnancy news, stating her confusion over why older fathers do not face similar scrutiny. "There's a lot of backlash women get for having children older but not men, which is interesting," Swank told host Drew Barrymore. Barrymore agreed, noting the societal acceptance of men having children at much older ages.

This is Swank's third child; she and Schneider welcomed twins Ohm and Aya in 2023, at which point Swank was 48. She recounted an instance where a woman criticized her for having children late, saying, "How dare you? You're too old." Swank explained she understood the sentiment, relating it to the loss of her own father, but ultimately felt it was better to experience parenthood, even later in life, than not at all.

Swank announced her pregnancy via an Instagram video featuring her family. Responding to a fan's comment expressing hope for their own future, Swank wrote, "Thank you! It can! I always go by the adage, things happen in their time, not ours, and that has always been the case for me." She also emphasized the importance of trust in one's journey.

Previously, Swank has spoken about the benefits of being an older mother, telling People magazine that it allows her to be more "present" with her children. She also shared with Women's Health that she froze her eggs at age 37, a decision she found crucial for managing the pressure of potential motherhood. Swank feels her established career and increased patience make her a more attentive parent now compared to if she had children in her early 40s.