Episode 82 Family Building Through Donor Conception and Egg Freezing with Fertility Journey Expert Lisa Schuman, LCSW

Lisa Schuman, LCSW, founding director of the Center for Family Building, shares invaluable insights about modern fertility treatments and family-building options. Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Schuman discusses the complex emotional and physical challenges of infertility, which she notes can be as mentally taxing as receiving a cancer diagnosis. She breaks down the evolving landscape of donor conception, including egg donation, sperm donation, and embryo donation, while emphasizing the importance of proper psychological screening and genetic testing. The conversation delves into critical topics like egg freezing, age considerations for starting a family, and the growing trend of employer coverage for fertility treatments. Schuman advocates for early fertility awareness, suggesting that women should consider fertility workups earlier in life rather than waiting until issues arise. Throughout the episode, she stresses the importance of open communication about donor conception with children and addresses the shifting landscape of donor anonymity in an era of DNA testing and social media.  Lisa is the co-author of Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception. Episode recorded September 5, 2024 Show notes available at thebalancedilemma.com