The Surrogacy Space, Ep. 37: “Breaking Barriers in Surrogacy: How the Surrogacy Foundation is Expanding Access and Changing the Narrative”

The Surrogacy Space, Ep. 37: “Breaking Barriers in Surrogacy: How the Surrogacy Foundation is Expanding Access and Changing the Narrative”

In this powerful episode of The Surrogacy Space, host Marla Neufeld sits down with Alexandra French, Co-Founder, and Zach French, Executive Director of The Surrogacy Foundation, to explore how their deeply personal journey led to building one of the most impactful nonprofits in the surrogacy space. After navigating a breast cancer diagnosis that ultimately made surrogacy their only path to grow their family, Alexandra and Zach transformed their experience into a mission driven organization dedicated to making surrogacy more accessible for others. They share the pivotal moments that inspired the foundation, from fertility preservation during cancer treatment to the joy of welcoming their daughter, and how those experiences shaped their commitment to helping intended parents. The conversation dives into the three major barriers facing families today: financial limitations, lack of accessible education, and persistent stigma. Alexandra and Zach discuss their groundbreaking grant programs, awarding up to $100,000 and even full surrogacy journeys, as well as innovative initiatives like a forthcoming chatbot designed to connect families with trusted resources. They also highlight the importance of storytelling, advocacy, and community collaboration in reshaping public perception and ensuring ethical growth within the industry. This episode is an inspiring look at resilience, purpose, and the collective effort it takes to make surrogacy a more attainable and understood path to parenthood. ------------------------------------- Featuring Marla Neufeld, Greenspoon Marder Surrogacy Partner w/ Special Guests: Alexandra French, Co-Founder, and Zach French, Executive Director of The Surrogacy Foundation -------------------------------------- Featured Speaker: Marla Neufeld Title & Company: Surrogacy Partner, Greenspoon Marder Phone: (954) 761-2929 Email: marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/marla-neufeld/ Connect with and learn more about Marla Neufeld at: Instagram: @marlasurrogacylaw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/surrogacy-attorney-fl ---------------------------------------- Guest Speaker Information: Alexandra French Title & Company: Co-Founder, The Surrogacy Foundation Email: alexandra@thesurrogacyfoundation.org Website: www.thesurrogacyfoundation.org Zach French Title & Company: Executive Director, The Surrogacy Foundation Email: zach@thesurrogacyfoundation.org Website: www.thesurrogacyfoundation.org Connect with and learn more about The Surrogacy Foundation at: Let’s Connect: https://www.thesurrogacyfoundation.org/contact/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesurrogacyfoundation Instagram: @thesurrogacyfoundation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-surrogacy-foundation/ Additional Information and Resources: Visit www.thesurrogacyfoundation.org [http://www.thesurrogacyfoundation.org] to TAKE ACTION TODAY! --------------------------------------- Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Email marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com [marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com]

The Surrogacy Space, Ep. 36: “From NICU Mom to Community Champion: The Story Behind ICU baby”

In this episode of The Surrogacy Space, host Marla Neufeld sits down with Elizabeth Simonton, co‑founder and executive director of ICU Baby, a South Florida nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating the NICU. Elizabeth shares the deeply personal experience with her third child that inspired her to build an organization focused on emotional, financial, and informational support for families during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Together, Marla and Elizabeth discuss the realities NICU parents face, the critical gaps ICU Baby fills, the power of community volunteers, and the organization’s incredible growth from its grassroots beginnings to serving more than 500 NICU beds across Florida. Tune in to learn how ICU Baby is transforming care for families and enriching the support available to those facing a NICU journey. ------------------------------------- Featuring Marla Neufeld, Greenspoon Marder Surrogacy Partner w/ Special Guest: Elizabeth Simonton, Co-Founder & Executive Director, ICU Baby --------------------------------------- Featured Speaker: Marla Neufeld * Title & Company: Surrogacy Partner, Greenspoon Marder * Phone: (954) 761-2929 * Email: marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com [marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com] * Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/marla-neufeld/ [https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/marla-neufeld/] Connect with and learn more about Marla Neufeld at: · Instagram: @marlasurrogacylaw · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/surrogacy-attorney-fl ---------------------------------------- Guest Speaker Information: Elizabeth Simonton * Title & Company: Co-Founder & Executive Director, ICU Baby * Email: elizabeth@icubaby.org [elizabeth@icubaby.org] * Website: www.icubaby.org [http://www.icubaby.org] Connect with and learn more about Elizabeth Simonton at: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-simonton-01a18512 * About/Team Page (Elizabeth’s Bio): https://www.icubaby.org/about-us/our-team/elizabeth-simonton/ ICU Baby (Official) * Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/icubaby_org * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icubaby.org/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ICUbaby_org/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icubaby/ Additional Information: · Learn more about Elizabeth's personal NICU story: Elizabeth Simonton | ICU Baby [https://www.icubaby.org/about-us/our-team/elizabeth-simonton/]

The Surrogacy Space: Estate Planning & Family Building: A Deep Dive with Attorney Nick Klingenberg

In this episode of The Surrogacy Space, host Marla Neufeld sits down with Nick Klingenberg, a seasoned Wills, Trusts & Estates attorney at Greenspoon Marder with nearly a decade of experience advising high‑net‑worth families across New York and California. With deep professional expertise and a meaningful personal journey into family building, Nick brings a uniquely well‑rounded perspective to this conversation. Together, Marla and Nick explore the critical role of estate planning for intended parents, why it matters long before a child arrives, and how surrogacy adds unique legal considerations that many families overlook. Nick also shares his background and what drew him to estate planning, including how practicing on both coasts shapes his client advice; his personal path toward parenthood, specifically his experience considering surrogacy and ultimately adopting his daughter; essential estate planning must‑haves for intended parents; and important state‑specific issues in New York and California. Whether you're an intended parent, a professional in the surrogacy field, or someone exploring future family‑building options, this is an episode filled with expert insights, heartfelt storytelling, and practical steps to protect the family you’re creating. ------------------------------------- Featuring Marla Neufeld, Greenspoon Marder Surrogacy Partner w/ Special Guest: Nick Klingenberg, Senior Counsel, Greenspoon Marder --------------------------------------- Featured Speaker: Marla Neufeld * Title & Company: Surrogacy Partner, Greenspoon Marder * Phone: (954) 761-2929 * Email: marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com [marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com] * Website: Marla Neufeld - Greenspoon Marder LLP [https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/marla-neufeld/] Social Media Platform(s): * Instagram: @marlasurrogacylaw * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/surrogacy-attorney-fl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/surrogacy-attorney-fl] ---------------------------------------- Guest Speaker Information: Nick Klingenberg * Title & Company: Senior Counsel, Greenspoon Marder * Phone: (212) 524-5056 * Email: nick.klingenberg@gmlaw.com [nick.klingenberg@gmlaw.com] * Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/nick-klingenberg/ [https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/nick-klingenberg/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-klingenberg-1969131aa [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-klingenberg-1969131aa]

The Surrogacy Space: "From Legal Planning to Parenthood Through Surrogacy with Jason Neufeld"

The Surrogacy Space, Ep. 34: "From Legal Planning to Parenthood Through Surrogacy with Jason Neufeld" In this episode of Surrogacy Space, host Marla Neufeld welcomes her husband, Jason Neufeld, Managing Partner and Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney, for a unique conversation that blends professional expertise with personal experience. From his work in elder law and Medicaid planning—helping families protect wealth for future generations—to navigating infertility and the emotional journey of surrogacy as a partner, this episode offers practical guidance and heartfelt reflections. Whether you’re planning for aging parents or building your own family, you’ll gain valuable insights on resilience, legal considerations, and the evolving meaning of parenthood. ------------------------------------- Featuring Marla Neufeld, Greenspoon Marder Surrogacy Partner w/ Special Guest: Jason Neufeld, Managing Partner and Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney, Elder Needs Law, PLLC --------------------------------------- Learn more about Marla Neufeld at https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/marla-neufeld/ [https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/marla-neufeld/] To contact Marla, email marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com [marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com]. Social Media Platform(s): * Instagram: @marlasurrogacylaw * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/surrogacy-attorney-fl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/surrogacy-attorney-fl] ---------------------------------------- Guest Speaker Information: Podcast Guest: Jason Neufeld Title & Company: Managing Partner and Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney, Elder Needs Law, PLLC Email: jason@elderneedslaw.com [jason@elderneedslaw.com] Website: https://www.elderneedslaw.com [https://www.elderneedslaw.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elderneedslaw [https://www.youtube.com/@elderneedslaw] Book: https://www.amazon.com/Medicaid-some-your-long-term-expenses/dp/1513634712 [https://www.amazon.com/Medicaid-some-your-long-term-expenses/dp/1513634712] ---------------------------------------- Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Email marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com [marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com] ---------------------------------------- Available on Platforms: * Amazon Music * Apple Podcast * Spotify * Other major platforms

The Surrogacy Space: Men’s Health & Infertility with Dr. Bitran, Urologist at Mt. Sinai Medical Center

The Surrogacy Space - Men’s Health & Infertility with Dr. Bitran, Urologist at Mt. Sinai Medical Center In episode 33 of The Surrogacy Space, Marla Neufeld speaks with Dr. Joshua Bitran, a urologist in men’s health and infertility, about a topic that’s often overlooked: male fertility in surrogacy and infertility treatment. Why does male fertility matter? Dr. Bitran breaks it down, covering the diagnostic process, lifestyle factors that can make or break sperm quality, and when surgical options come into play. He also shares why early screenings are a game-changer and reveals cutting-edge technologies bringing hope to patients with severe sperm challenges. ------------------------------------- Featuring Marla Neufeld, Greenspoon Marder Surrogacy Partner w/ Special Guest: Dr. Joshua Bitran, Urologist, Mount Sinai Medical Center --------------------------------------- Learn more about Marla Neufeld at https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/marla-neufeld/ [https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/marla-neufeld/] To contact Marla, email marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com [marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com]. Social Media Platform(s): * Instagram: @marlasurrogacylaw * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/surrogacy-attorney-fl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/surrogacy-attorney-fl] ---------------------------------------- Guest Speaker Information: Podcast Guest: Dr. Joshua Bitran Title & Company: Urologist, Mount Sinai Medical Center Contact Number: (786) 584-5600 Website: https://www.msmc.com/doctor/joshua-bitran/ [https://www.msmc.com/doctor/joshua-bitran/] To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bitran call 786.584.5600 or visit https://www.msmc.com/doctor/joshua-bitran/ [https://www.msmc.com/doctor/joshua-bitran/] to make an appointment online. Social Media Platform(s): * Instagram: @joshuanissim --------------------------------------- Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Email marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com [marla.neufeld@gmlaw.com] ---------------------------------------- Available on Platforms: * Amazon Music * Apple Podcast * Spotify * Other major platforms