The Untold Truth About IVF, Egg Donation & Surrogacy: Ethics, Health Risks & What Couples Aren't Being Told with Jennifer Lahl

In this thought-provoking and deeply important episode, Deidre sits down with Jennifer Lahl, bioethicist, filmmaker, and founder of the Center for Bioethics and Culture, to discuss the ethical, medical, and long-term implications of assisted reproductive technologies.The global fertility market is approaching $40 billion annually and is projected to nearly double within the next decade. When that much money is at stake, it's worth asking: who benefits from the story being told and who decides what patients know?Together, they explore the realities of the modern fertility industry, the health implications for women and children, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding embryo creation, egg donation, sperm donation, and surrogacy.Key TakeawaysWhy many couples are offered IVF before receiving a thorough root-cause evaluation.The realities of IVF success rates and why treatment often fails.Research linking assisted reproductive technologies to higher rates of certain health concerns in children.How the IVF laboratory environment may influence embryonic development.Why male fertility deserves more attention and a more complete workup.What AMH testing actually measures and why low AMH does not automatically mean pregnancy is impossible.The ethical and emotional complexities surrounding frozen embryos and embryo adoption.Concerns about egg donation, ovarian stimulation, and the lack of long-term research on donors.The medical and ethical issues involved in commercial surrogacy.How financial incentives shape the fertility industry.Why couples deserve complete information before making life-changing decisions.This episode isn't about shame or blame. It's not about telling anyone that their family is less than whole. It is about honoring the truth that you deserve more information than you were likely given.Resources mentionedCBC Network YouTube channel (all films free, many with subtitles): search "CBC Network" on YouTubeWebsite: thecbcnetwork.orgThe Mother Machine by Gena CoreaEverything Conceivable by Liza MundyIf this episode resonates, take the next step. Book a free Clarity Call to explore your fertility journey, uncover what’s missing, and see if our approach is right for you. And if you want more in-depth education on functional fertility, detox pathways, and protocols, subscribe to our Substack for exclusive content, research breakdowns, and case studies you won’t find anywhere else.➡️ Follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deidrebloomquist for more educationDisclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to a be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician for medical advice. We always recommend working with a trained practitioner if you would like to do any testing and/or commence any protocols.