The Culture We Deserve The Biological Gig Economy
Sep 10, 2025
A deep dive into the dark side of the surrogacy industry unfolds, highlighting a case where vital maternal health information was withheld, leading to tragic outcomes. The hosts explore how surrogacy mirrors gig economy dynamics, exposing vulnerabilities and exploitation. They also reveal shocking regulatory gaps, like how unlicensed agencies operate and even the risks of sex offenders exploiting loopholes. The conversation extends globally, touching on trafficking crises and children's rights amidst the complexities of identity politics and morality in reproductive choices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Surrogacy Is A Gig-Economy Industry
- Surrogacy in the U.S. functions largely unregulated and mirrors gig-economy precarity for surrogates.
- Wealthy clients hold power while surrogates face legal, medical, and financial vulnerability without federal protections.
VC Client Sued And Doxxed Her Surrogate
- A Silicon Valley VC, Cindy B., hired a West Virginia surrogate and the baby was stillborn from placental abruption.
- Cindy B. then pursued legal action and doxxed the surrogate instead of accepting medical explanations.
Contracts, Not Law, Govern Surrogate Safety
- Agencies and contracts determine protections, but inconsistent licensing means surrogates lack reliable safeguards.
- States vary widely and only a few require robust agency licensing, creating patchwork risk for surrogates.
