In a journey for parenthood, Jessica Brice, a Bloomberg investigative reporter, joins Alice Kempton, an Australian woman who bravely shares her IVF story. They dive into the emotional rollercoaster of navigating IVF and the quest for donor eggs, revealing societal pressures, financial burdens, and the heartbreak of miscarriages. Their search for a transparent donor leads to an international adventure filled with hope and loss, highlighting the personal sacrifices involved in starting a family and the complexities of the human egg trade.
Alice and Paul Kempton's journey highlights the emotional challenges and determination faced by couples navigating the complexities of the fertility industry.
Their decision to seek donor eggs in the U.S. reflects the importance of transparency and meaningful connections in the family-building process.
Deep dives
The Journey to Parenthood
Alice Kempton has always desired to have children but faced significant challenges due to being born without ovaries, necessitating the use of a donor egg and IVF treatments. Upon becoming serious with her partner Paul, she disclosed the need for a donor egg, leading them to navigate the complexities of the fertility industry together. In their home country of Australia, restrictive regulations made finding an egg donor difficult, ultimately prompting them to seek assistance from a family member. This personal connection marked the beginning of a transformative journey in their pursuit of parenthood.
The Emotional Toll of IVF
Through their IVF journey, Alice and Paul faced emotional and physical challenges, including multiple miscarriages that tested their resolve and mental well-being. After a total of seven IVF cycles resulting in five pregnancies, all of which ended in heartbreak, Alice grappled with feelings of guilt and self-blame. The repeated losses led to external questioning from friends and family about their decision to continue trying, yet their determination drove them forward. They clung to the hope that they could one day hold their child, demonstrating the profound emotional stakes involved in their quest.
The Search for the Right Donor
Determined to optimize their chances of success, Alice and Paul turned to the U.S. for IVF treatment, attracted by the greater donor transparency and options available. They meticulously vetted potential donors, initially focusing on aesthetics and family health backgrounds before realizing the importance of more meaningful traits. After an exhaustive search lasting several months, they found the right donor, Karen, who resonated with their values and lifestyle. Their decision to embrace an open relationship with Karen resulted in a deeper connection that enriched their family-building experience.
A new series from the Big Take podcast investigates the booming market for human eggs.
In this episode, host Sarah Holder and Bloomberg’s Jessica Brice focus on the Kemptons, an Australian couple who needed donor eggs to get pregnant. They wanted access to a market they felt offered transparency. They especially wanted information about potential donors. What followed was an around-the-world quest to create a family — filled with promise, gutting losses and extreme cost.