Jennifer Aniston defended after revealing why she would never adopt children

Jennifer Aniston has been defended by fans after opening up on why she didn't choose to adopt children amid her infertility struggles

For those not in the loop, the Friends actress, 56, recently addressed the heartbreaking and cruel criticism she's got over the years for never having a child.

Ever since entering the spotlight in the mid-90s, tabloid mags have run headlines about the star being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or being upset about not being pregnant.

In 2022, even though she didn't owe anyone an explanation of course, Aniston revealed the 'ship has sailed' with regards to getting pregnant, adding that she has 'zero regrets'.

And despite going public with this, she still faced a slew of invasive questions around her choices and so decided to confront the speculation head on.

In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, the actress revealed that while people had been criticising her for 'prioritising work over having a child,' she had actually privately been going through IVF, which was unsuccessful.

Jennifer Aniston has revealed why adoption isn't on the cards for her (James Devaney/GC Images)

Aniston told the publication she'd actually spent 20 years enduring IVF.

She said: "They didn’t know my story. Or what I’d been going through over the past 20 years to try to pursue a family, because I don’t go out there and tell them my medical woes."

The star added: "I knew a lot of women at the time who were trying to have kids, who were dealing with IVF. So it did feel like it was not only for myself, but for any women who were struggling with the same issue."

And now, Aniston has elaborated on the subject and explained her reasons for not choosing to adopt - only to unbelievably be met with more scrutiny.

During an appearance on a Wondery+ early access episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, co-host Monica Padman asked Aniston if she has found 'peace' with not having children.

Aniston explained: "It's so peaceful. But I will say there's a point where it's like out of my control. There's literally nothing I can do about it.

"When people say, 'But you can adopt,' I don't want to adopt. I want my own DNA in a little person. That's the only way, selfish or not, whatever that is, I've wanted it."

It comes after the actress opened up on her fertility struggles (NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)

However, the comments have sparked some backlash on social media, with one Instagram user writing: "Some things are better left unsaid out loud."

But, thankfully, of the vast majority of people have come to the star's defence to point out that it's really none of anyone else's business what she chooses to do with her life.

Someone else penned: "SO UNDERSTANDABLE" and another added: "Everyone has their own idea of what their family should consists of. I would find it hard to adopt as well. Wishing JA all the love."

Another fan added: "These comments aren’t it. PEOPLE’S LIFE CHOICES ARE NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. You have no clue what someone has gone through."

While others quipped: "I feel the same way. Adoption isn’t for everyone" and "Understandable and VALID!"