#47 Hidden Risks of PGT-A Testing in IVF and Surrogacy - Allison Freeman

PGT-A testing is marketed as a smart, science-backed way to improve your chances of a healthy baby. But what if it’s not giving you the full story?

In this eye-opening conversation, fertility attorney and IVF mom Allison Freeman joins Alyssa to unpack the science, marketing, and legal implications behind preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).

From personal IVF loss to class-action lawsuits, Allison shares why more patients are questioning the test—and why some may be discarding embryos based on misleading or unvalidated results.

🎧 If you’re considering embryo testing—or already making transfer decisions—this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn:

• 02:16 — Allison’s IVF journey and two very different paths to motherhood

• 09:08 — How a personal red flag during IUI launched her legal advocacy

• 16:24 — What PGT-A testing is, and how it’s commonly presented to patients

• 19:04 — The rise in “zero embryos” after testing—and what that might mean

• 21:55 — Why PGT-A biopsies aren’t as definitive as many think

• 26:27 — The risks of relying on embryo testing to avoid miscarriage

• 29:46 — How PGT-A impacts surrogacy matching and timeline delays

• 34:54 — What ASRM’s new guidance really says—and what patients often miss
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Surrogacy Step-By-Step Guide https://gojunie.com/surrogacy-starter-kit
• Time Article: IVF Patients Say a Test Caused Them to Discard Embryos. Now They’re Suing

• Allison Freeman (IG) - @ivf_advocatem, theivfadvocate.com
  

Key Takeaways:

• PGT-A is widely used—but hasn’t been validated the way most patients expect

• The test analyzes placental (not fetal) tissue, which can cause discrepancies

• Surrogates and agencies often require PGT-A without understanding its limitations

• Patients should ask: what am I being promised, and is there data to back it up?
  

  
  

🎧 Considering embryo testing? With ASRM’s most recent guidance, and the BloomBridge surrogacy app you'll be prepared for tough decisions.