Have you seen the viral news about Rachel Maddow announcing a surrogate pregnancy? Spoiler: It’s NOT real.

In this age of AI-generated images and deepfakes, it’s becoming easier—and unfortunately more common—for misinformation to spread like wildfire. Recently, images purportedly showing MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow revealing she was having a child via surrogate circulated widely online. But as Snopes debunked, these were completely AI-generated and fabricated.

This kind of viral misinformation might seem like harmless gossip, but it taps into a very real web of misunderstandings around fertility, surrogacy, and modern family-building options.

Why Does This Matter for Those Trying to Conceive?

If you’re on a journey toward parenthood, whether solo, as a couple, or in the LGBTQ+ community, seeing stories like this can be confusing or even discouraging. Surrogacy, at-home insemination, IVF, and adoption are often misunderstood, and when fake news swoops in, it muddies the waters even more.

I remember chatting with a friend who was exploring at-home insemination kits. She’d worried if using these kits felt “less real” or “too unconventional,” especially with so many myths floating around. But here’s the kicker: there’s no one right way to build your family. The process is deeply personal, and knowledge is your best ally.

The Rise of DIY Fertility Solutions

With advancements in technology and a growing push for privacy and affordability, many people are turning to at-home insemination as a viable path. Companies like MakeAMom specialize in making this more accessible with innovative kits. They offer different options tailored to specific needs—like the CryoBaby for frozen sperm, the Impregnator for low motility sperm, and the BabyMaker for sensitive users or conditions like vaginismus.

What’s refreshing is that these kits are reusable and cost-effective compared to clinical alternatives. Plus, their discreet packaging helps protect your privacy during what can be an intensely personal time.

But What About Success Rates?

It’s natural to wonder: Does this actually work? According to MakeAMom, their average success rate hovers around 67%, which is pretty encouraging for DIY insemination.

Still, everyone’s journey is unique. What helps immensely is access to open, honest resources that demystify the process—and steer you away from misconceptions like the viral AI pregnancy announcements.

Breaking Down Fertility Myths

Misinformation fuels stigma, and stigma feeds silence. When people don’t talk openly about their experiences, myths gain ground. Here are some common misconceptions:

• Myth #1: Surrogacy and at-home insemination are