You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist 163. The Hidden Costs of Reproductive Technology: Samantha DeLoach on Egg Donation, Surrogacy & IVF
Writer, activist, and mother of two, Samantha DeLoach, joins me to delve into the complex and often troubling world of reproductive technologies, including egg harvesting and IVF. We explore the emotional and medical consequences that women face when they engage with these procedures, particularly the risks that are often downplayed or ignored by the industry. Samantha shares her personal journey, reflecting on her own experiences as a college student tempted by the allure of quick cash for egg donation, and how her perspective has evolved over the years.
We discuss the predatory nature of the reproductive industry, which targets vulnerable young women, and the societal pressures that lead them to make decisions that could have lifelong repercussions. Samantha highlights the stark reality that many women are sold a dream of balancing career and motherhood, only to find that the success rates of using frozen eggs are alarmingly low.
Additionally, we touch on the philosophical implications of separating motherhood into distinct roles—biological, gestational, and social—and the potential identity issues that children conceived through these means may face. This conversation aims to challenge listeners to think critically about the ethics of reproductive technologies and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of children over adult desires. Join us as we navigate these pressing issues in bioethics and family planning.
Growing up in a small town in the heart of Florida, Samantha DeLoach developed a deep appreciation for truth, beauty, and conviction. Now a social media consultant for Live Action and Them Before Us, she is a bold advocate for the pro-life cause and children’s rights. Known as @Prolife_Sam on X, Samantha takes on pro-choice arguments with razor-sharp clarity, sharing the beauty of motherhood, and connecting women in crisis with life-affirming resources. A devoted Christian, wife of nearly 12 years, and mother of two boys, she believes the culture is starving for truth and she’s committed to shining light into a morally declining culture by emphasizing that the rights and well-being of children must come before the desires of adults.
Samantha's article in Evie Magazine: They Told Us Motherhood Could Wait, Then Sold it Back to Us at $12,000 a Round
00:00 Start
[00:02:29] Egg harvesting consequences in college.
[00:05:20] Consequences of egg donation.
[00:08:11] Predatory egg donation practices.
[00:11:12] Egg freezing and career choices.
[00:15:24] Identity issues in reproductive technology.
[00:19:21] Adoption vs. Surrogacy Perspectives.
[00:25:00] Surrogacy and maternal roles.
[00:27:24] The importance of childhood attachment.
[00:32:36] Reproductive technologies and attachment wounds.
[00:35:19] Rights and protection of children.
[00:39:24] IVF and abortion in media.
[00:44:54] Maternal attachment and pregnancy.
[00:48:08] Mother-child emotional bond.
[00:51:39] Birth control's long-term impact.
[00:55:28] IVF and egg retrieval process.
[01:02:00] IVF risks and complications.
[01:02:43] IVF emotional decisions and regrets.
[01:06:24] IVF and ethical dilemmas.
[01:12:27] Child memory and psychological effects.
[01:14:38] Genetically engineering children today.
[01:20:18] Human connection and artificial wombs.
[01:22:05] Children's rights and responsibilities.
[01:25:42] Responsibility to future children.
[01:29:40] Family origin stories and intentions.
[01:32:57] Identity formation through stories.
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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.
Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.
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