Lena Dunham, the writer and actor best known for creating and starring in the HBO series Girls, has revealed that she and her husband, musician Luis Felber, have welcomed a daughter born via surrogate.
Dunham, 40, announced the birth in an opinion piece published Wednesday in Vogue, saying the child is her and Felber’s first. The announcement follows a long public account of her reproductive health struggles, including endometriosis and a total hysterectomy performed when she was 31.
In the op-ed, Dunham reflected on her path to parenthood after earlier medical treatment removed her uterus. She has previously discussed how endometriosis affected her life and career, and the latest piece lays out the next chapter as she and her husband become parents through surrogacy.
Surrogacy is one route some people pursue when pregnancy is not possible due to medical reasons such as hysterectomy. Dunham’s announcement adds to a growing number of public figures who have spoken openly about assisted reproductive choices and the diverse paths to parenthood.
The news comes as Dunham continues her work in film and television and public commentary; she has used her platform in recent years to discuss health, creativity and personal life. Representatives for Dunham and Felber did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.