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We've Got To TalkAuthor: Nicole Fonarow and Jolene Conway
Our story begins in the halls of the University of Iowa, go Hawks! It was there that two seemingly different paths intersected and a friendship blossomed. Despite our different upbringingsJolene in little Pleasantville, Iowa, and me, Nicole, just across the Golden Gate Bridge in the bustling Bay Areawe became fast friends. And here we are, almost 40 years later, living in a world that often seems intent on drawing lines in the sand and choosing sides. So why "We've Got To Talk"? Because we truly believe that in this deeply divided society, the power of conversation can unite us. Our goal isn't to change each other's opinions, but to listen with curiosity, kindness, and empathy. And yes, to have a good time while doing it! We invite you to join us on this journey and bring your friends along. We might not have all the answers or any of thembut we promise honesty, empathy, and a lot of heart. We hope our conversations give you a fresh outlook or at least entertain you as you go about your day. Language: en Genres: News, Personal Journals, Politics, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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U.S. Surrogacy and Birthright Citizenship: When Money Writes the Rules
Episode 50
Wednesday, 21 January, 2026
Surrogacy can be a deeply meaningful path to parenthood and it can also be a billion-dollar industry. In this episode, we unpack what happens when “building a family” starts looking like a marketplace, and who actually gets protected when money, contracts, and power enter something as serious as pregnancy and birth.We talk about why the U.S. has become a major global destination for surrogacy, and how inconsistent, state-by-state rules can create a system where the wealthy get options and the vulnerable take on the risk. When an industry grows faster than the guardrails, it’s not just messy, it can become exploitative.We also dig into the 14th Amendment and birthright citizenship, and the uncomfortable question it raises: what happens when a right designed to protect the vulnerable becomes a tool the powerful can leverage? This isn’t about demonising parents or children - it’s about whether citizenship and reproduction are being treated like commodities.Finally, we ask what regulation could look like without being “anti-family”: stronger protections for surrogates, clearer standards that prioritise the well-being of the child, and real accountability when things go wrong. If you’re pro-surrogacy, anti-surrogacy, or somewhere in the middle, we hope this episode helps you ask better questions and keeps the conversation honest.CHAPTER MARKERS:00:00 Introduction00:29 Billionaires and US Surrogacy00:49 The MO News Podcast and Initial Reactions02:47 Understanding the 14th Amendment and Birthright Citizenship04:40 The Surrogacy Industry: Agencies and Regulations05:20 International Billionaires and Surrogacy06:40 Ethical and Social Implications08:17 Legal and Regulatory Challenges10:16 Personal Stories and Opinions11:34 The Role of Money and Power12:59 Conservative and Liberal Perspectives21:36 Potential Solutions and Legislation26:07 Peter Thiel's IVF Agencies in Southeast Asia26:24 Religious Views and Surrogacy Ethics27:20 Surrogacy Laws and the 14th Amendment28:11 Protecting Surrogates and Babies30:47 Bipartisan Efforts for Surrogacy Regulation33:52 Global Surrogacy Practices and US Regulations36:47 The Future of Surrogacy and Legal Recourse41:22 Call to Action: Advocating for Surrogacy Laws45:10 Good for the Soul: Kindness Army46:31 Would You Rather: Surrogacy and CitizenshipRESOURCES MENTIONED:Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSWnB_xjRZc/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheetChinese Billionaires, Surrogacy, Pregnancy: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/chinese-billionaires-surrogacy-pregnancy-7fdfc0c3?reflink=desktopwebshare_permalinkWhat to Know: Surrogacy + China + Billionaires:
