Amber Heard is expecting baby no. 2—redefining single motherhood on her own terms
Amber Heard just dropped some exciting baby news—the Aquaman star, 38, is expecting her second child, PEOPLE exclusively confirms. And while Heard’s spokesperson says it’s “still quite early” in her pregnancy, they shared that Amber is “delighted both for herself and [daughter] Oonagh Paige.”
It’s been more than three years since Amber welcomed her first child, Oonagh Paige, who’s now 3½. Back then, Amber made headlines—not just for becoming a mom, but for the empowering way she chose to grow her family. When she introduced Oonagh to the world, she wrote on Instagram: “Four years ago, I decided I wanted to have a child. I wanted to do it on my own terms.”
Amber’s words didn’t just announce her baby—they started a conversation. She went on to say, “I now appreciate how radical it is for us as women to think about one of the most fundamental parts of our destinies in this way. I hope we arrive at a point in which it’s normalized to not want a ring in order to have a crib.”
Modern take on motherhood
Amber’s journey reflects a growing shift in how women are approaching motherhood. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 15 million households in the United States are led by single parents, with the vast majority of these families headed by moms.
Globally, this trend is mirrored by a rise in single women turning to assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). For instance, data from the United Kingdom shows that the number of single women pursuing IVF or artificial insemination has tripled in the last decade. While exact U.S. statistics are harder to pinpoint, reports from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology suggest that the accessibility and growing normalization of these treatments are helping more women embrace motherhood without waiting for a partner.
This shift is about more than just family-building—it’s a redefinition of what independence and choice look like for women in the modern world.
A new chapter abroad
This baby news comes as Amber continues to live life on her own terms after a tumultuous few years. Her highly publicized legal battle with ex-husband Johnny Depp in 2022 put her in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. After the dust settled, Amber made the bold decision to leave Hollywood behind and start fresh in Madrid, Spain.
“She’s living her best life in Spain with her daughter and just finding happiness in that way,” In the Fire director Conor Allyn told PEOPLE.
Related: Mothers are their children’s ‘happiness anchors’
Why Amber’s story matters
Amber’s story isn’t just about celebrity gossip—it’s about empowerment. It’s about breaking free from outdated expectations of what family should look like and choosing to follow your own path. For women considering a non-traditional route to motherhood, her journey is proof that you don’t need a partner, a perfect plan, or anyone else’s approval to build the family you want.
At Motherly, we celebrate all the ways moms come to motherhood—whether it’s through IVF, adoption, co-parenting, or any other path. Amber’s announcement reminds us all that family is what you make it, and there’s no wrong way to create a life full of love and connection.
So here’s to Amber Heard, baby number two, and every mom out there boldly carving her own path—proving every day that motherhood isn’t about following someone else’s rules, but about creating a life full of love, purpose, and joy on your own terms.
Related: Navigating parenthood when you feel like an outlier
