Surrogacy Warrior with Kimberly Surratt, Episode 14

In this episode of Surrogacy Warrior, host Kim Surratt speaks with Eloise Drane, founder and CEO of Family Inceptions, about her journey as a former egg donor and surrogate and what led her to create an agency focused on advocacy, particularly for the BIPOC community. Their conversation explores the complexities of surrogacy, including compensation, insurance barriers, and the often-overlooked physical and psychological impacts on surrogates. Eloise and Kim also discuss the importance of education, ethical agency practices, and comprehensive assessments for both surrogates and intended parents, while addressing gaps in fertility clinic practices and legislative challenges affecting access to care.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

• Eloise Drane’s Surrogacy Journey that began in 1998

• Overcoming Racial Barriers in Reproductive Spaces

• Founding Family Inceptions with Advocacy at its Core

• The Complex Conversation Around Surrogate Compensation

• Insurance Challenges in the Surrogacy Process

• Long-Term Health Impacts, Including Hysterectomy

• Misconceptions About BIPOC Representation in Surrogacy

• Rebuilding Trust Between BIPOC Communities and Medicine

• The Role of Insurance in Equitable Fertility Access

• Creating a More Ethical and Supportive Surrogacy Ecosystem

Learn more about Elois Drane

Visit Family Inceptions website:  https://familyinceptions.com

Connect with Elois on LinkedIn:  /eloisedrane

Follow Family Inceptions on LinkedIn: /familyinceptions

Connect with Elois on Facebook:  /etdraneFollow Family Inceptions on Facebook: /familyinceptionsConnect with Elois on Instagram: /fertilitycafe

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About Surrogacy Warrior:

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of surrogacy, offering insights and advice, sharing stories and providing advice. Our mission is to illuminate every corner of surrogacy from the emotional roller coasters and legal battles to the triumphant moments of birth and beyond. Surrogacy Warrior is more than just a podcast. It's a community for anyone touched by or interested in the transformative power of surrogacy. 

Watch more episodes of Surrogacy Warrior:

Surratt Law’s website: https://www.lawyersforfamilies.com

Surratt Law’s YouTube:    / @surrattlawpractice  

Connect and learn more from your host, Kimberly Surratt:

Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn:  / kimsurratt  

Read about Kimberly’s career and work at Surratt Law on her firm’s website: https://www.surrattlaw.com/our-team/kimberly-m-surratt

Surrogacy Warrior with Kimberly Surratt, Episode 13

In this episode of the Surrogacy Warrior podcast, host Kim Surratt speaks with attorney Courtney Johnson about her personal and professional journey through surrogacy. They explore the emotional challenges intended parents face, the importance of choosing the right agency, and building strong, trusting relationships with surrogates. Courtney shares how her dual perspective brings clarity, connection, and joy to the surrogacy experience.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

• Navigating the Surrogacy Journey

• The Emotional Landscape of Surrogacy

• Choosing the Right Surrogacy Agency

• Building Relationships in Surrogacy

  
  

Learn more about Courtney Johnson:

Read Courtney’s profile on MarkGray’s website:  www.marksgray.com/attorneys/courtney-m-johnson

Connect with Courtney  on LinkedIn:  /courtneymombergjohnson/

Connect with Courtney on Facebook:  /courtney.momberg.johnsonConnect with Courtney on Instagram: /surrogacyattorneyflorida/

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About Surrogacy Warrior:

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of surrogacy, offering insights and advice, sharing stories and providing advice. Our mission is to illuminate every corner of surrogacy from the emotional roller coasters and legal battles to the triumphant moments of birth and beyond. Surrogacy warrior is more than just a podcast. It's a community for anyone touched by or interested in the transformative power of surrogacy. 

Watch more episodes of Surrogacy Warrior:

Surratt Law’s website: https://www.lawyersforfamilies.com

Surratt Law’s YouTube:    / @surrattlawpractice  

Connect and learn more from your host, Kimberly Surratt:

Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn:  / kimsurratt  

Read about Kimberly’s career and work at Surratt Law on her firm’s website: https://www.surrattlaw.com/our-team/kimberly-m-surratt

Surrogacy Warrior with Kimberly Surratt, Episode 12

In this episode of Surrogacy Warrior, Kimberly Surratt speaks with Amani Hanson, partner at Vorzimer Masserman Fertility & Family Law Center.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

 * Update on Kimberly's advocacy efforts in California, including a bill targeting insurance discrimination against surrogacy — stay tuned for a press conference January 2025

 * Amani’s career journey, starting from a scientific background to legal practice

 * The importance of working with experienced professionals in the surrogacy field and the critical role of a well-rounded support team

* The ethical considerations and challenges attorneys face in surrogacy cases — advice against taking shortcuts 

* Advocacy points on improving access to fertility care and surrogacy services, making the process more accessible and affordable for all.

Learn more about Amani Hanson:

 * Read Amani’s profile on Vorzimer/Masserman’s website: https://www.vmfirm.com/attorney/hanson-amani-t

 * Connect with Amani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amani-t-hanson-94a5784b

 * Email: [email protected]

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About Surrogacy Warrior:

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of surrogacy, offering insights and advice, sharing stories and providing advice. Our mission is to illuminate every corner of surrogacy from the emotional roller coasters and legal battles to the triumphant moments of birth and beyond. Surrogacy warrior is more than just a podcast. It's a community for anyone touched by or interested in the transformative power of surrogacy. 

Watch more episodes of Surrogacy Warrior:

 * Surratt Law’s website: https://www.lawyersforfamilies.com

 * Surratt Law’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabktCrqpMk8DO63EEyxxwg

Connect and learn more from your host, Kimberly Surratt:

 * Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimsurratt

 * Read about Kimberly’s career and work at Surratt Law on her firm’s website: https://www.surrattlaw.com/our-team/kimberly-m-surratt

Surrogacy Warrior with Kimberly Surratt, Episode 11

In this episode of Surrogacy Warrior, Kimberly Surratt speaks with Dr. Leah Kaye of The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, which is recognized internationally as one of the leading fertility clinics in the world with high success rates, years of experience and a commitment to the advancement of fertility research.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

Learn more about Dr. Leah Kaye:

 * Connect with Dr. Kaye on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-kaye-44473031b

 * Follow The Fertility Center of Las Vegas on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-center-of-las-vegas-&-cord-blood-cryosource

 * Visit The Fertility Center of Las Vegas’s YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@FertilityCenterLV

* Visit The Fertility Center of Las Vegas’s website: https://fertilitycenterlv.com

* Follow Dr. Kaye on X: https://x.com/leahkaye83

* Follow Dr. Kaye on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahkaye83

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About Surrogacy Warrior:

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of surrogacy, offering insights and advice, sharing stories and providing advice. Our mission is to illuminate every corner of surrogacy from the emotional roller coasters and legal battles to the triumphant moments of birth and beyond. Surrogacy warrior is more than just a podcast. It's a community for anyone touched by or interested in the transformative power of surrogacy. 

Watch more episodes of Surrogacy Warrior:

 * Surratt Law’s website: https://www.lawyersforfamilies.com

 * Surratt Law’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabktCrqpMk8DO63EEyxxwg

Connect and learn more from your host, Kimberly Surratt:

 * Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimsurratt

 * Read about Kimberly’s career and work at Surratt Law on her firm’s website: https://www.surrattlaw.com/our-team/kimberly-m-surratt

Surrogacy Warrior with Kimberly Surratt, Episode 10

In this episode of Surrogacy Warrior, Kimberly Surratt speaks with Dené Hunter, an experienced surrogate and single mother of two, based in Reno, Nevada. Dené shares her personal journey through surrogacy, motivated by the desire to help families struggling with infertility. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced, as well as the joys and complexities of working with intended parents.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

 * Dené’s motivation for becoming a surrogate and how it impacted her family

 * The importance of clear communication between surrogates and intended parents

 * The highs and lows of the surrogacy process, from matching with intended parents to post-birth emotions

 * How Dené balanced being a surrogate while caring for her own children

 * Advice for those considering surrogacy, both surrogates and intended parents

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About Surrogacy Warrior:

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of surrogacy, offering insights and advice, sharing stories and providing advice. Our mission is to illuminate every corner of surrogacy from the emotional roller coasters and legal battles to the triumphant moments of birth and beyond. Surrogacy Warrior is more than just a podcast. It's a community for anyone touched by or interested in the transformative power of surrogacy. 

Watch more episodes of Surrogacy Warrior:

 * Surratt Law’s website: https://www.lawyersforfamilies.com

 * Surratt Law’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabktCrqpMk8DO63EEyxxwg

Connect and learn more from your host, Kimberly Surratt:

 * Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimsurratt

 * Read about Kimberly’s career and work at Surratt Law on her firm’s website: https://www.surrattlaw.com/our-team/kimberly-m-surratt

Surrogacy Warrior with Kimberly Surratt, Episode 09

In this episode of Surrogacy Warrior, Kimberly Surratt speaks with Adrienne Black, CEO of Heart to Hand Surrogacy. Adrienne brings a rich background as a former midwife and four-time surrogate to her role at the helm of Heart to Hand Surrogacy, an agency deeply committed to the ethical, heartfelt facilitation of surrogacy journeys. Based in Oregon, Heart to Hand Surrogacy offers bespoke surrogacy services, focusing on creating intentional, compassionate connections between surrogates and intended parents both in the U.S. and internationally.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

 * Adrienne Black’s unique journey from midwifery and personal surrogacy experiences to leading a surrogacy agency

 * The role of ethics and community in surrogacy, including the importance of professional networks and support

 * Challenges and triumphs in surrogacy practice, emphasizing the transformational impact on families and surrogates

 * Insights into the international surrogacy landscape and its implications for ethical practices

 * The future of surrogacy, including the evolution of industry standards and professional education

Learn more about Adrienne Black:

 * Connect with Adrienne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienneblackhth

 * Follow Heart to Hands Surrogacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hthsurrogacy

 * Visit Heart to Hands Surrogacy’s website: https://www.hearttohandssurrogacy.com

 * Follow Heart to Hands Surrogacy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heart2Hands 

 * Follow Heart to Hands Surrogacy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearttohandssurrogacy 

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About Surrogacy Warrior:

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of surrogacy, offering insights and advice, sharing stories and providing advice. Our mission is to illuminate every corner of surrogacy from the emotional roller coasters and legal battles to the triumphant moments of birth and beyond. Surrogacy warrior is more than just a podcast. It's a community for anyone touched by or interested in the transformative power of surrogacy. 

Watch more episodes of Surrogacy Warrior:

 * Surratt Law’s website: https://www.lawyersforfamilies.com

 * Surratt Law’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabktCrqpMk8DO63EEyxxwg

Connect and learn more from your host, Kimberly Surratt:

 * Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimsurratt

 * Read about Kimberly’s career and work at Surratt Law on her firm’s website: https://www.surrattlaw.com/our-team/kimberly-m-surratt

Surrogacy Warrior with Kimberly Surratt, Episode 8

In this episode of Surrogacy Warrior, Kimberly Surratt speaks with Zach French, Executive Director of The Surrogacy Foundation, formerly known as the Gift of Surrogacy Foundation. With a background as an attorney, startup founder, enterprise sales leader, and executive at SeedTrust, Zach has led the foundation to raise over $350,000 in two years and is expanding its support through national grants and a partner program. The Surrogacy Foundation is dedicated to creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to build a family, regardless of the obstacles they face.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

* Personal Journey to Surrogacy: Zach French discusses how he and his wife overcame financial and emotional hurdles through surrogacy to welcome their daughter, Addison.

* Founding the Gift of Surrogacy Foundation: Zach French explains how their surrogacy experience led to creating the Surrogacy Foundation to offer financial aid for others.

* Rebranding and Expansion: Zach French describes the foundation’s rebranding to reflect national expansion and increased support.

* Challenges and Goals: Zach French notes the challenges of high surrogacy costs and their efforts to improve accessibility through grants and policy changes.

* Impact and Advocacy: Zach emphasizes the need for fundraising and industry support to enhance surrogacy accessibility.

Learn more about Zach French:

* Connect with Zach French on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachhfrench

* Connect with The Surrogacy Foundation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gift-of-surrogacy-foundation 

* Visit The Surrogacy Foundation’s website: https://www.giftofsurrogacyfoundation.org

* Follow The Surrogacy Foundation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giftofsurrogacyfoundation 

* Follow The Surrogacy Foundation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giftofsurrogacyfoundation

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About Surrogacy Warrior:

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of surrogacy, offering insights and advice, sharing stories and providing advice. Our mission is to illuminate every corner of surrogacy from the emotional roller coasters and legal battles to the triumphant moments of birth and beyond. Surrogacy warrior is more than just a podcast. It's a community for anyone touched by or interested in the transformative power of surrogacy. 

Watch more episodes of Surrogacy Warrior:

 * Surratt Law’s website: https://www.lawyersforfamilies.com

 * Surratt Law’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabktCrqpMk8DO63EEyxxwg

Connect and learn more from your host, Kimberly Surratt:

 * Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimsurratt

* Read about Kimberly’s career and work at Surratt Law on her firm’s website: https://www.surrattlaw.com/our-team/kimberly-m-surratt

Surrogacy Warrior with Kimberly Surratt, Episode 7

In this episode of Surrogacy Warrior, Kimberly Surratt speaks with Lilach Evrany and Aviv Babor, Clients Managers at BabyBloom, a surrogacy and fertility service provider. Tune in as they discuss the rising demand for surrogacy in Israel, the associated challenges, and how BabyBloom supports families through the surrogacy process.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

* Growing Demand for Surrogacy in Israel: The rising demand for surrogacy in Israel, driven by the strong cultural emphasis on family and the active LGBTQ+ community

* Challenges in Israeli Surrogacy: The challenges in Israeli surrogacy, such as the lack of egg donor banks and limited surrogates, pushing many couples to seek solutions abroad

* Role of BabyBloom in the Process: BabyBloom’s role in managing the surrogacy process, from embryo creation to legal and logistical support, primarily for Israeli clients

* Cultural and Religious Influences: Cultural and religious factors in Israel significantly impact the availability and approach to surrogacy and fertility treatments

* Financial and Emotional Preparedness: The need for financial and emotional readiness for Israeli couples considering surrogacy, particularly when opting for solutions in the U.S.

Learn more about Lilach Evrany & Aviv Babor:

* Read Lilach’s bio on Baby Blooms’s website: https://babybloom.uk/baby-bloom-team

* Connect with Aviv on Linkedin: https://il.linkedin.com/in/aviv-babor-8269711b6

 * Email: [email protected]

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About Surrogacy Warrior:

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of surrogacy, offering insights and advice, sharing stories and providing advice. Our mission is to illuminate every corner of surrogacy from the emotional roller coasters and legal battles to the triumphant moments of birth and beyond. Surrogacy warrior is more than just a podcast. It's a community for anyone touched by or interested in the transformative power of surrogacy. 

Watch more episodes of Surrogacy Warrior:

 * Surratt Law’s website: https://www.lawyersforfamilies.com

 * Surratt Law’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabktCrqpMk8DO63EEyxxwg

Connect and learn more from your host, Kimberly Surratt:

 * Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimsurratt

 * Read about Kimberly’s career and work at Surratt Law on her firm’s website: https://www.surrattlaw.com/our-team/kimberly-m-surratt

Surrogacy Warrior with Kimberly Surratt, Episode 6

In this episode of Surrogacy Warrior, Kimberly Surratt speaks with Dawn Baker, Founder and CEO of U.S. Surrogacy LLC. Dawn’s agency offers personalized support for surrogates and intended parents, drawing on over a decade of experience to ensure ethical practices and navigate surrogacy's complexities.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

* Evolution and Challenges in Surrogacy: Dawn Baker mentions significant changes in the surrogacy industry over the past decade, especially post-COVID, impacting expectations and practices.

* Increasing Surrogacy Compensation: Dawn talks about surrogacy compensation rising from $20,000 to at times over $80,000 over the past decade, making it financially challenging for many intended parents.

* Complexity of Surrogacy Contracts: Dawn emphasizes the complexities of surrogacy contracts, particularly in balancing base compensation with ancillary expenses.

* Ethical and Best Practices: Dawn discusses the importance of ethical practices and the role of social media in connecting and maintaining high standards in the surrogacy community.

Learn more about Dawn Baker:

* Follow U.S. Surrogacy LLC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-surrogacy-llc/ 

* Visit U.S. Surrogacy LLC’s website: http://www.us-surrogacy.com 

* Follow U.S. Surrogacy LLC on Facebook: http://facebook.com/USSurrogacyLLC 

* Follow U.S. Surrogacy LLC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/us_surrogacy

* Contact U.S. Surrogacy LLC: https://us-surrogacy.com/contact

* Connect with Dawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-baker-57a32766

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About Surrogacy Warrior:

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of surrogacy, offering insights, sharing stories, and providing advice. Our mission is to illuminate every corner of surrogacy from the emotional roller coasters and legal battles to the triumphant moments of birth and beyond. Surrogacy Warrior is more than just a podcast. It's a community for anyone touched by or interested in the transformative power of surrogacy. 

Watch more episodes of Surrogacy Warrior:

 * Surratt Law’s website: https://www.lawyersforfamilies.com

 * Surratt Law’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabktCrqpMk8DO63EEyxxwg

Connect and learn more from your host, Kimberly Surratt:

 * Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimsurratt

 * Read about Kimberly’s career and work at Surratt Law on her firm’s website: https://www.surrattlaw.com/our-team/kimberly-m-surratt

Surrogacy Warrior with Kimberly Surratt, Episode 05

In this episode of the Surrogacy Warrior podcast, host Kimberly Surratt speaks with Dr. Carrie Bedient, Physician at Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Co-host of the Fertility Docs Uncensored Podcast, and Associate Clinical Professor at UNLV. Much of Dr. Bedient’s work is in surrogacy, egg donation, both with domestic patients as well as international patients.

She specializes in surrogacy and egg donation, both domestically and internationally, and hosts the podcast Fertility Docs Uncensored, aimed at demystifying IVF treatments for patients. Her podcast is geared towards patients and helping them understand the morass that is IVF.

Tune in to the episode to hear about:

 * The intricate relationship between legal frameworks and medical practices in surrogacy and donor anonymity

 * The impact of genetic testing technologies like 23andMe on the anonymity of egg and sperm donations

 * The challenges and considerations of known versus anonymous donations from both legal and clinical perspectives

 * The evolving landscape of donor anonymity laws and the implications for fertility clinics and recipients

 * Personal insights from Dr. Bedient on balancing professional responsibilities with the personal aspects of donor and recipient relationships.

Learn more about Dr. Carrie Bedient:

 * Connect with Dr. Bedient LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-bedient-md-30000714b/ 

 * Websites: https://fertilitycenterlv.com/ & https://www.fertilitydocsuncensored.com/ 

 * Follow Fertility Center of Las Vegas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFertilityCenterLV

 * Follow Dr. Bedient’s podcast, Fertility Docs Uncensored, on Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/fertilitydocsuncensored 

 * Follow Dr. Bedient on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbedient

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About Surrogacy Warrior:

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of surrogacy, offering insights and advice, sharing stories and providing advice. Our mission is to illuminate every corner of surrogacy from the emotional roller coasters and legal battles to the triumphant moments of birth and beyond. Surrogacy warrior is more than just a podcast. It's a community for anyone touched by or interested in the transformative power of surrogacy. 

Watch more episodes of Surrogacy Warrior:

 * Surratt Law’s website: https://www.lawyersforfamilies.com

 * Surratt Law’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabktCrqpMk8DO63EEyxxwg

Connect and learn more from your host, Kimberly Surratt:

 * Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimsurratt

 * Read about Kimberly’s career and work at Surratt Law on her firm’s website: https://www.surrattlaw.com/our-team/kimberly-m-surratt