Hilary Swank Discusses Criticism Over Late-Age Pregnancy on Drew Barrymore Show

Actress Hilary Swank said she has faced criticism for becoming pregnant at 52 and used her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show to discuss the broader double standard women encounter when having children later in life.

“There’s a lot of backlash women get for having children older but not men, which is interesting,” Swank told host Drew Barrymore, who noted that men sometimes father children into their 80s. Barrymore, a mother of two, agreed the disparity is “weird,” adding that Swank’s own experience of having twins at 48 was met with mixed reactions. Swank recalled a conversation in which a woman questioned her choice, saying, “How dare you? You’re too old.” She responded by reflecting on the loss of her own father and saying she would rather experience parenthood than miss it entirely. The interview sparked a discussion among viewers on social media, with several women sharing personal stories of late-age motherhood, loss of parents, and criticism they have faced. Comments highlighted concerns about health risks, energy levels, and the feeling of being judged regardless of when a woman decides to have children. Swank announced the pregnancy on Instagram on Oct. 14, posting a video of herself, her husband Philip Schneider, and their twins dancing with glow sticks. Her caption noted that the “project” would be revealed in December.