Episode 87 Surrogacy Explained: Legal Rights, Costs & Modern Family Building with Expert Lisa Schuman, LCSW
Fertility and surrogacy expert Lisa Schuman joins TBD for an eye-opening discussion about building families through surrogacy. From understanding New York's recent legalization to navigating six-figure costs and complex psychological screenings, Schuman - who testified before the NY State Judiciary Committee - breaks down what prospective parents need to know.
Learn about surrogate matching, state-by-state legal variations, breast milk arrangements, and the real medical requirements behind surrogacy approvals. Whether you're considering surrogacy, work in healthcare, or are curious about modern family building, this episode offers essential insights into this increasingly common path to parenthood. It’s not just for celebrities like Lily Collins.
Lisa is the co-author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception.
Lisa was also featured on Episode 82 for an in-depth discussion of non-traditional family building.
Episode recorded September 5, 2024, at the LMC Media Podcast Studio
Statement from Lisa Schuman, LCSW, to TBD February 2025 regarding Lilly Collins:
“As the therapist who testified before the state senate judiciary committee to legalize compensated surrogacy in NY, I know firsthand how vital it is to speak openly about this issue. Lilly Collin's openness not only helps challenge the stigma around surrogacy but also inspires others to join the conversation, much like Selena Gomez, who recently discussed her potential need for a surrogate. Our collective voices are essential for fostering a more informed and compassionate dialogue, ultimately paving the way for better support and funding.”
“Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception” by Lisa Schuman, LCSW (2023)
Website for The Center for Family Building
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Additional Reading
Glamour (2025, February 1) Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell: A Complete Relationship Timeline: The Emily in Paris star and the accomplished film director just welcomed a daughter via surrogacy. glamour.com
Saad, Syeda Khaula (2024, September 9) Selena Gomez Says Her Motherhood Journey Might 'Look A Little Different' Due To Lupus. betches.com
Benjamin Ramsey, Ann Bednash, and John Folks (2022, January 11) Retaining Female Leaders: A Key Readiness Issue. 960cyber.afrc.af.mil
University of Utah (June 19, 2019) Infertility and Mental Health. healthcare.utah.edu. ("The stress level for infertility is comparable to the stress level of being diagnosed with cancer," says Jamie Hales, a licensed clinical social worker at Huntsman Mental Health Institute.)
The Mom Who Moved In With Her Sperm Donor. thecut.com
Greg Ip and Janet Adamy (May 13, 2024) Suddenly There Aren’t Enough Babies. The Whole World Is Alarmed. wsj.com
Kevin Dolak (May 13, 2024) Olivia Munn Reveals Hysterectomy, Freezing Her Eggs After Breast Cancer Diagnosis. hollywoodreporter.com