Surrogacy Explained: Legal, Ethical, and Financial Essentials with Yifat Shaltiel (Episode 74)

In this eye-opening episode of Fertile Talks, Dr. Yemi Famuyiwa is joined by attorney and surrogacy expert Yifat Shaltiel, founder and CEO of Surrogate Steps and author of Save Money on Surrogacy. Together, they break down everything you need to know about gestational surrogacy—from understanding the difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy to navigating the complex legal, ethical, and financial aspects of the process.

Yifat shares real-world stories that highlight why surrogacy should never be a DIY project, the importance of working with a licensed agency, and how to avoid common pitfalls such as unvetted surrogates, unqualified attorneys, and inadequate insurance coverage. She also offers invaluable advice on protecting intended parents’ rights, ensuring mental health support for all parties, and understanding state-by-state surrogacy laws.

Dr. Famuyiwa and Yifat also discuss how international parents can safely pursue surrogacy in the U.S., what to look for in a surrogacy agreement, and how to spot red flags when choosing an agency. Whether you’re an intended parent, considering becoming a surrogate, or simply curious about how surrogacy really works, this episode delivers clarity, compassion, and expert guidance for one of the most life-changing journeys in reproductive medicine.

This episode's sponsor: ILMEDS.co 'Medicine Delivered To Your Door!' Be sure to use code FT24 at checkout for $50 off each medication ordered!

Connect with Yifat Shaltiel:

https://surrogatesteps.com/

https://www.instagram.com/surrogatesteps/?hl=en

Connect with Dr. Famuyiwa

Dr. Famuyiwa's practice: https://montgomeryfertilitycenter.com/

Social media links and other resources: https://linktr.ee/Dr.Yemi_Famuyiwa

About Dr. Famuyiwa: https://montgomeryfertilitycenter.com/dr-yemi-adesanya-famuyiwa/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health.