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 patients are questioning the test—and why some may be discarding embryos based on misleading or unvalidated results.
🎧 If you’re considering embryo testing—or already making transfer decisions—this episode is a must-listen.
What You’ll Learn:
02:16 — Allison’s IVF journey and two very different paths to motherhood
09:08 — How a personal red flag during IUI launched her legal advocacy
16:24 — What PGT-A testing is, and how it’s commonly presented to patients
19:04 — The rise in “zero embryos” after testing—and what that might mean
21:55 — Why PGT-A biopsies aren’t as definitive as many think
26:27 — The risks of relying on embryo testing to avoid miscarriage
29:46 — How PGT-A impacts surrogacy matching and timeline delays
34:54 — What ASRM’s new guidance really says—and what patients often miss
Resources Mentioned:
- Surrogacy Step-By-Step Guide https://gojunie.com/surrogacy-starter-kit
- Time Article: IVF Patients Say a Test Caused Them to Discard Embryos. Now They’re Suing
- Allison Freeman (IG) - @ivf_advocatem, theivfadvocate.com
Key Takeaways:
PGT-A is widely used—but hasn’t been validated the way most patients expect
The test analyzes placental (not fetal) tissue, which can cause discrepancies
Surrogates and agencies often require PGT-A without understanding its limitations
Patients should ask: what am I being promised, and is there data to back it up?
🎧 Considering embryo testing? With ASRM’s most recent guidance, and the BloomBridge surrogacy app you'll be prepared for tough decisions.
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.