In a candid revelation, Adrienne Bailon, known for her roles as a former talk show host and gospel singer, has shed light on the exorbitant expenses associated with her quest for parenthood through in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. Bailon, who welcomed her son, Ever James, alongside her husband, gospel singer Israel Houghton, via surrogate in 2022, spoke openly to PEOPLE about the substantial financial investment required to realize their dreams of expanding their family.

During the interview, Bailon shared that she and her husband had spent "easily over a million" dollars in their pursuit of becoming parents. This staggering figure underscores the immense financial burden that fertility treatments can impose on individuals and couples. Bailon emphasized the disparity between their experience and the financial realities of the average person, acknowledging the privilege afforded by their ability to afford such costly procedures.

The former "The Real" co-host elaborated on the challenges endured throughout her six-year journey to motherhood, recounting multiple cycles of IVF and various other fertility treatments, including intrauterine insemination (IUI). Despite her resilience and determination, Bailon expressed the emotional and physical toll of the arduous process, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties inherent in assisted reproductive technologies.

Bailon's candid disclosure provides valuable insight into the financial and emotional complexities surrounding fertility treatments, shedding light on the realities faced by individuals and couples grappling with infertility. By sharing her story, she fosters greater awareness and empathy regarding the challenges of building a family through assisted reproduction, while also underscoring the importance of access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare for all.