<p>In this episode of Biohack-it, host Iman Hasan sits down with Dr. Brian Levine, a leading authority in reproductive endocrinology and a passionate advocate for making surrogacy more accessible and affordable. Listeners can expect an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of surrogacy, including the rising costs, common misconceptions, and innovative solutions aimed at democratizing this vital family-building option.</p> <p><br></p> <p>What to Expect:</p> <p>- Insight into the skyrocketing costs of surrogacy, with figures ranging from $185,000 to $550,000.</p> <p>- A breakdown of why surrogacy is often misunderstood, particularly regarding the motivations of surrogates.</p> <p>- Exploration of Dr. Levine's startup, Nodal, which aims to streamline the surrogacy process and reduce costs through transparency and efficiency.</p> <p>- Discussion on the various reasons individuals seek surrogacy, from medical conditions to personal choice.</p> <p>- Real-life stories that highlight the unique relationships between intended parents and surrogates.</p> <p><br></p> <p><br></p> <p>Dr. Brian Levine is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist based in New York City. As a founding partner of a prominent fertility practice, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals and couples navigate their reproductive journeys. Dr. Levine is also the founder of Nodal, an innovative online platform designed to make surrogacy more affordable and transparent. His expertise in both clinical practice and technology positions him as a thought leader in the field, advocating for changes that empower families to achieve their dreams of parenthood.</p> <p><br></p> <p><br></p> <p><strong>Episode highlights</strong></p> <p><br></p> <p>00:00 Intro  </p> <p>00:12 Rising Costs of Surrogacy  </p> <p>01:15 Introduction of Dr. Brian Levine  </p> <p>01:41 Importance of Discussing Fertility  </p> <p>02:01 Dr. Levine's Background  </p> <p>02:15 Launch of Nodal, a Surrogacy Platform  </p> <p>02:53 Factors Behind High Surrogacy Costs  </p> <p>03:34 Reasons Patients Seek Surrogacy  </p> <p>04:31 Medical Reasons for Surrogacy  </p> <p>05:20 Social Surrogacy Explained  </p> <p>05:55 Efficiency in Family Planning  </p> <p>06:02 Misconceptions About Surrogate Backgrounds  </p> <p>08:36 Strategies to Lower Surrogacy Costs  </p> <p>11:31 Relationship Between Intended Parents and Surrogates  </p> <p>12:20 Building Connections in the Surrogacy Journey  </p> <p>13:10 Emotional Aspects of Surrogacy  </p> <p>14:05 Legal Considerations in Surrogacy Contracts  </p> <p>15:15 Support Systems for Surrogates  </p> <p>16:30 The Role of Agencies in Surrogacy  </p> <p>27:45 Impact of State Laws on Surrogacy Costs  </p> <p>38:50 Future of Surrogacy Accessibility  </p> <p><br></p> <p>Our sponsors</p> <p><br></p> <p>Jona Health</p> <p>Use code BIOHACKIT for $50 off</p> <p><br></p> <p>Seed</p> <p>Use code BIOHACKIT for 10% off</p> <p><br></p> <p>BiOptimizers</p> <p>Use code BIOHACKIT for 10% off</p> <p><br></p>