The Young and the Restless' Melissa Claire Egan opens up about her ongoing fertility issues

The Young and the Restless' Melissa Claire Egan opens up about her ongoing fertility issues

Nearly two years after having opened up about a miscarriage, daytime star Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson, The Young and the Restless; ex-Annie Chandler, All My Children) reveals that she is still dealing with fertility issues.

The daytime community is showering Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson, The Young and the Restless; ex-Annie Chandler, All My Children) with love and support following her reveal that she continues to struggle to become a mother.

As Soap Central readers may recall, the beloved actress opened up back in September of 2019 about having experienced a miscarriage, and this week, she shares that she is still having fertility issues.

"As much as I want to only post that picture of me from a photo shoot years ago for this lovely #womensupportingwomen trend, I also feel I'm not really supporting women if we're not honest with each other. So I'd actually rather post this one. From today. At a fertility clinic. Dealing with some sh*t," she writes along with a photo of herself in a hospital bed. "This is the real stuff women go through, and I thought I'd also share this, to all the wonderful women out there, including my own personal tribe of best girlfriends and supporters. Being a woman isn't easy!! But we're tough and WE GOT THIS. Love all you women warriors!!! #womensupportingwomen"

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As Egan shared previously, her 2018 miscarriage led to D&C surgery, which was an extremely stressful experience.

"I was so lucky to have my incredible husband and best friends and family in the world there for me, every step of the way," she said at the time along with a photo of herself in the hospital, taken by her husband, Matt Katrosar. "It's so hard, and takes such a toll on you emotionally and physically, hormonally, all of it."

The actress initially did not go public with her experience but later changed her mind when a friend of hers revealed that she had suffered a miscarriage, as well. At that moment, Egan decided to share her story with the hope that doing so would prevent other women from feeling alone after suffering such a tragic loss.

"[My friend] seemed almost relieved when I told her I had the same experience. She told me she had felt alone and like a failure, and less-than, because she hadn't heard other people speak about it," Egan recalled. "This made me SO SAD, and made me want to share my story. With anyone and everyone. Just so no one feels alone. I promise you you're not alone."

Egan made her daytime debut as All My Children's Annie McDermott Lavery Chandler, a role which she originated in July 2006. She was an immediate hit with fans and was quick to earn critical acclaim, snagging Daytime Emmy nominations in the Outstanding Supporting Actress category in 2009, 2011, and 2012.

After AMC ended in 2011, Egan joined the cast of The Young and the Restless, where she originated another role, that of Chelsea Lawson. She picked up two more Emmy nominations in 2013 and 2014.

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