What happens when a baby born via surrogacy in the U.S. is suddenly left in legal limbo—unable to get a passport, unable to go home?
In this urgent and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne sits down with attorney and former intended parent Lesa Slaughter to explain the fast-changing legal landscape around birthright citizenship. They unpack what the Trump-era executive order could mean for international intended parents, the risks of stateless children, and what you must do now to protect your baby’s legal status.
Even if you’re U.S.-based, this conversation touches on surrogacy agency ethics, escrow fraud, and how to choose the right legal support. If you're planning a surrogacy journey or already matched with a surrogate, this is essential listening.
What You’ll Learn:
01:18 — Why the executive order threatens birthright citizenship
03:00 — What the courts have said so far (and what’s next)
06:50 — How international parents usually secure a U.S. passport
08:00 — Why dual citizenship may not protect you
10:00 — Why international parents need three lawyers, not two
12:14 — What happens if the order takes effect (hint: you don’t want to be the test case)
16:35 — How babies born via surrogacy can become stateless
20:00 — Why manipulating birth certificates could be considered fraud
23:55 — Should you still pursue U.S. surrogacy? Lesa’s honest advice
26:30 — What to ask your agency about post-birth support
28:00 — Why surrogacy agencies are largely unregulated
30:00 — State-specific laws around attorneys and escrow
35:00 — Final advice: build a team, expect the unexpected, and prepare
Resources Mentioned:
Matched already? Planning your journey? Don’t wait—consult with an experienced U.S. reproductive attorney AND an immigration lawyer from your home country. Then download the BloomBridge app to map your legal prep step-by-step.
“You vetted your surrogate, picked the perfect clinic—now make sure your baby has a way home.”
