Surrogacy Made Simple

What if your insurance actually helped you build your family?

In this conversation, surrogacy attorney and longtime advocate Ryan Ferrante joins Dr. Alyssa Small Layne to break down how Illinois is setting a national standard for inclusive, patient-centered fertility coverage.

They discuss how advocacy, state legislation, and redefined infertility standards are expanding access for LGBTQ+ families, single parents, and anyone needing ...

PGT-A testing has been promoted as a breakthrough—promising fewer miscarriages, faster time to pregnancy, and better IVF outcomes. But what if those claims aren’t fully backed by science?

In this follow-up conversation, fertility attorney and IVF mom Allison Freeman returns to discuss the pending class-action lawsuits filed against embryo testing labs. She and Alyssa break down what patients are being told, why those promises may be...

PGT-A testing is marketed as a smart, science-backed way to improve your chances of a healthy baby. But what if it’s not giving you the full story?

In this eye-opening conversation, fertility attorney and IVF mom Allison Freeman joins Alyssa to unpack the science, marketing, and legal implications behind preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).

From personal IVF loss to class-action lawsuits, Allison shares why more p...

Wondering why surrogacy agency fees are so expensive—and what they actually include?

 You’re not alone. When you're already spending six figures to grow your family, a $40,000+ agency fee can feel impossible to justify—especially when you’re not sure what’s really included.

 In this conversation, we unpack the real value of agency support, what services the fee does (and doesn’t) cover, and how to evaluate if it’s worth it—or if ...

Wondering how much surrogacy actually costs these days? Prepare yourself for sticker shock.

 In this conversation, we break down why prices are rising faster than inflation—and what’s changed since 2020. From agency fees and surrogate pay to IVF and insurance costs, we walk through where your money really goes and how you can plan ahead without feeling blindsided.

 Whether you're just starting or already building your budget, you’ll ...

Navigating surrogacy can feel like chasing breadcrumbs across the internet—time-consuming, frustrating, and overwhelming. You’ve waited long enough to grow your family. That’s why Surrogacy Made Simple exists.

Hosted by Dr. Alyssa Small Layne, a board-certified OB-GYN and mom through surrogacy, this podcast has become the go-to resource for unbiased, practical advice. And after 42 episodes, we’re celebrating an incredible first yea...

Need to pack your hospital bag for your surrogacy journey without losing your mind?

Let’s face it—packing for the hospital as an intended parent is not quite like other parents. There’s so much to think about when you’re expecting a baby in this way. Plus, hospital stays can be longer and more unpredictable than expected, leaving you drained if you’re unprepared.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone or sp...

Choosing a surrogacy agency is one of the most critical decisions you'll make on your journey to parenthood. With so many options out there, how do you narrow them down? How do you avoid the delays, unexpected costs, and stress that can come from picking the wrong agency?

**Keep all your questions together with the Surrogacy Smartsheet

In this episode of Surrogacy Made Simple, we dive into the essential questions to ask ...

What if you could save $50,000 on surrogacy while still having a safe, successful journey? 

Choosing independent surrogacy might just be the answer. But is it the right fit for you? In this episode, we’ll explore the pros and cons of independent surrogacy, helping you decide if it’s the path to making your dreams of parenthood a reality.

You’ll hear:

• The major benefits of independent surrogacy, including cost savings and con...

Should you send your surrogate and her family to Disney?

Or buy them a new car as a thank you?

It’s hard to know what’s normal in the world of surrogacy.  You don’t want to come off as cheap or unappreciative. This incredible woman is carrying your child afterall. You’ve probably heard stories of lavish gifts and extravagant vacations from thankful parents, and it makes you feel that you must keep up to show you care. 

Do you have ...

Confused about how to pick the perfect fertility clinic for your surrogacy journey? Let’s fix that! 

What you need in a clinic for regular IVF isn’t the same as a clinic for surrogacy. 

Choosing the right fertility clinic can make or break your surrogacy experience—and your budget! There are some things you should look for before you commit. In today’s episode, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of picking a clinic that’s perfect ...

Finding the Right Match for Your Embryo Donation Journey

Going through embryo donation is an incredibly personal and sometimes overwhelming experience. With so many choices—whether to use an agency or pursue a private match, finding a family who shares your values, and deciding how much communication you want with the family and future child—it’s easy to feel lost. 

You can begin this process full of hope but find yourself discoura...

What do you do with extra embryos?

Your family’s finally complete, and it took a tremendous journey to get here, didnt it? Yet, there's one more decision looming over you. A deeply personal one that could impact your family’s life for years to come. What will you do with the extra embryos?

Ashley Herring was once in your shoes, facing this exact decision.

Now… What would you do with 12 remaining embryos? 

That’s what our guest, Ash...

Surrogacy-friendly insurance isn’t enough.

Finding insurance to cover surrogacy expenses can be tricky and “liens” make it worse. If you pick wrong, you could end up with a mountain of bills. 

A surrogacy lien is where you have to pay money back to the insurance company because they covered health expenses for a surrogate. 

This might leave you wondering, "What's the point of using these insurances at all?"

Well, thankfully, there ...

What you need to know about surrogacy insurance liens 

We’re on the heels of another Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period. Open enrollment starts November 1st and closes January 15th. Missing this window makes it tough to get a good policy for surrogacy if you need one. 

Does your surrogate need surrogacy-friendly insurance?

Now’s the time to find her a plan.

If you’re taken our Surrogacy Blueprint course, done your r...

Traveling Home with Your Newborn: Drive or Fly?

Are you feeling overwhelmed deciding how to travel home with your newborn right after surrogacy? You’re not alone. Most of us have surrogates who aren’t local. 

Choosing between flying and driving can feel daunting.

There’s a lot of logistics and safety concerns. Plus, the big unknowns and the added pressure of making the “right” choice. It can leave you feeling stressed out.

Wor...

Is paying more for a surrogate really worth it?

Choosing the right surrogate isn't an easy job. Like all intended parents, you want the best chance of having a healthy baby. 

So when you find an agency offering "premium" surrogates that meet extra requirements, it’s tempting. Even though it costs more, how can you put a price on something like this? You might feel pressured to stretch your budget for that so-called peace of mind.

I...

If you’re about to undergo GYN surgery, you need to know what could happen to your fertility. 

I needed a surrogate because fibroids and a myomectomy stole my fertility.

Too many times, women aren't fully informed about the risks tied to fibroid removal, endometriosis surgery, endometrial ablation, and other invasive procedures.

But what if you learned the full scope of your options before making life-changing decisions?

In this eye-op...

What's the right type of surrogacy relationship?

Are you feeling pressured to have a relationship in surrogacy that isn’t what you really want? 

When expectations aren’t met, things can fall apart. 

If your relationship and communication styles don’t match your vision, it can lead to anxiety and frustration, potentially causing a breakdown in your surrogacy journey.

But you can prevent this! Learn what works for you and how to ...