Are you curious about how surrogates are selected and matched? What about knowing the steps it takes to get started? How long does it take and how much does it cost?

Surrogacy can be a beautiful and life-changing path to parenthood — but it’s also one that’s often misunderstood. In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down the most frequently asked questions and biggest misconceptions about gestational surrogacy with the Director of the Gestational Surrogacy Program at Pacific NW Fertility, Mollie Hyuck.

From who the legal parents are, to whether the surrogate can keep the baby (spoiler: she can’t), to understanding the emotional, medical, and ethical realities — this episode is your evidence-based guide to what surrogacy is and what it isn’t.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• [2:20] Common myths about surrogacy (and why they’re wrong)
• [5:03] How surrogates are selected, screened, and supported
• [6:48] The difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy
• [8:28] What intended parents should know about legal and emotional considerations
• [14:03] Why surrogacy is often misunderstood in media and public opinion
• [19:37] How to decide if it’s the right path for you

Whether you’re considering surrogacy, supporting someone through it, or just curious about the process, this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and connected.

Resources mentioned:

I Became Your Mama by Mollie Huyck

pnwfertility.com

roaringadventures.org

navieapp.com

Connect on Instagram @pnwfertility | @roaringadventures_ | @naviehealth

Episodes mentioned:

Ep 49 Olympic Champion Figure Skater to Fertility Advocate: What Tara Lipinski Learned with Unexpecting

Ep23 Samantha Busch on Surrogacy and Infertility Advocacy

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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