Lily Collins' husband condemns 'hateful' criticism following birth of their baby via surrogacy

Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell have shared the happy news of the arrival of their first child while also having to shut down 'unkind messages about surrogacy'.

The Emily in Paris star, 35, and director of Netflix's The Discovery, 41, announced the news in a co-post to Instagram.

However, McDowell later took to the post to respond to comments being made about the pair's 'path to having a baby'.

The couple took to the social media platform yesterday (February 1) to share an image of their baby in a basket with someone's hand resting on the child's stomach alongside a blanket with 'Tove' stitched into it.

The caption reads: "Welcome to the center of our world Tove Jane McDowell. Words will never express our endless gratitude for our incredible surrogate and everyone who helped us along the way. We love you to the moon and back again…"

However, McDowell then took to the comments to add a follow-up message, thanking everyone for 'all the kind messages and love' and noting how 'overjoyed and very grateful' the pair are, but also to address the 'unkind messages about surrogacy and our path to having a baby'.

Surrogacy is 'a process in which a woman carries and delivers a child for a couple or individual', Yale Medicine explains.

It adds: "Surrogate mothers are impregnated through the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF). A legal contract is required for intended parents and their carrier before medical treatment begins. [And it also] involves [a] fertility center."

McDowell's comment told social media users it's 'ok to not be an expert on surrogacy' but also 'it's ok to not know why someone might need a surrogate to have a child' and 'ok to not know the motivations of a surrogate regardless of what you assume'.

The dad resolved: "And it’s ok to spend less time spewing hateful words into the world, especially in regards to a beautiful baby girl who has brought a lot of love into people’s lives. That’s all for now because she just pooped and I need to change her diaper."

And it's not taken long for people to flood to the post in support.

One Instagram user said: "This response is perfect. Congratulations to all of you."

"Excellent way to tell them that it is not good to give opinions about other people's lives! Many congratulations on your beautiful baby, welcome to a chaotically beautiful life! Lots of good vibes and love to you three," another added.

A third wrote: "Sorry you’re both getting some horrible comments. People are just so insensitive. Super happy for you both becoming parents! It’s the best. You’ll both be an amazing Mum and Dad."

Collins also responded to her partner's comment with three white heart emojis.