Australian Influencer Caitlin Bailey Responds to IVF Controversy
Expecting Australian influencer Caitlin Bailey addressed her followers after facing criticism for traveling to the U.S. for sex-selective IVF.
“I wanted to come on because I’m like, ‘Whoa,’ I’m getting inundated with messages,” Bailey shared via her Instagram Story on Tuesday, May 13. “Last week, I did an interview with a reporter to discuss my story with Gender Selection Australia. I had no idea it would explode like this.”
Bailey mentioned being featured on the front page of a newspaper that Tuesday and that she had been contacted by various TV shows to recount her experience with Gender Selection Australia. (The organization facilitates dialogues between Australian families and California-based Dr. Daniel Potter.)
“I wanted to address this because it makes me extremely anxious. I’m not a fan of conflict, drama, or confrontation,” she explained. “I chose to share my story and journey solely because I thought it could help others feel less alone.”
“I didn’t share my experience to spark online arguments or engage in troll conversations. The thought of negativity makes me feel sick. I strive for positivity,” she continued. “It’s a reminder that if you have nothing kind to say, please hold back. I want to remain positive amidst this all, even though it’s daunting to think of what might come next. But I’m committed to staying positive.”
Bailey also highlighted several supportive messages from followers, with one user mentioning they had seen some negative feedback. Bailey expressed her gratitude, stating she was “overwhelmed with beautiful messages of support.”
“Thank you from the depths of my heart. While I have received some hurtful messages, the kind words have largely eclipsed the negativity,” Bailey wrote. “I truly appreciate the kindness more than you can understand. It’s comforting to realize we are not alone.”
Bailey, who boasts over 60,000 followers on Instagram, is currently anticipating her fourth child. (She is already a mom to daughter Thea, 5, and sons Kai, 4, and Taj, 22 months.)
She sparked controversy online after traveling to the U.S. and investing $45,000 to ensure her fourth child, conceived through IVF, would be a girl, as sex-selection for IVF is prohibited in Australia.
“Everyone gets a brother,” Bailey remarked to the Courier Mail on Tuesday, as reported by 7news, “everyone gets a sister.”
