Author Danielle Valentine joins us to discuss her book “Delicate Condition,” a pregnancy horror book that depicts the darker sides to fertility, pregnancy and healthcare. Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Ali Ainsworth joins to help us understand more about the logistical and emotional challenges of fertility journeys and assisted reproductive technology. 

This episode was made possible by the generous support of Ken Stevens.

TW: Miscarriage, pregnancy loss, infertility 

We talked with:

• Danielle Valentine is the New York Times bestselling author of books for adults and teens, including the Barnes & Noble YA Book Club Pick Two Sides to Every Murder, and Delicate Condition, which was adapted by Ryan Murphy into American Horror Story: Delicate, starring Emma Roberts and Kim Kardashian. Danielle is also the author of The Merciless series under the name Danielle Vega. She lives outside of New York City with her husband, daughter, and two ornery cats.
• Alessandra (Ali) Ainsworth, M.D., is an assistant professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She completed medical school at the University of Kansas, and both residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Mayo Clinic. During her fellowship, Dr. Ainsworth obtained a master's degree in biomedical science. Her clinical interests include infertility, fertility preservation, premature ovarian insufficiency, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Dr. Ainsworth is also active in clinical research and education.

Can't get enough?

Purchase “Delicate Condition.”

• From Bookshop.org.
• From Amazon.
• From Barnes & Noble.

Got feedback?

• If you've got ideas or book suggestions, email us at [email protected].
• We invite you to complete the following survey as part of a research study at Mayo Clinic. Your responses are anonymous. Your participation in this survey as well as its completion are voluntary.
• Connect with others talking about the podcast in the Read. Talk. Grow. group on Mayo Clinic Connect, an online community moderated by Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic Connect is free, trusted, moderated, welcoming, safe and easy-to-use.

The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not designed to replace the physician’s medical assessment and judgment. Information presented is not intended as medical advice. Please contact a healthcare professional medical assistance with specific questions pertaining to your own health if needed.