In this episode of "Medicine Motherhood and Missions," we explore the profound impact of IVF and surrogacy on society with Mary Fusillo, a leader in reproductive medicine. From her personal journey through infertility to her pioneering work in egg donation and surrogacy programs, Mary shares insights into the ethical dilemmas and societal shifts surrounding these technologies. Join us as we delve into the complexities of bioethics, the evolution of reproductive health, and the ongoing quest for justice, love, and wisdom in family creation. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges norms and inspires change.
Mary is someone who has worn many hats—journalist, trauma nurse, infertility expert, business founder, and bioethicist.
Mary rose through the ranks of administration and leadership. Mary was instrumental in starting the Donor Egg program. She has been a leader in the field of reproductive medicine for 30+ years and started three companies of her own.
Mary led national consulting efforts, and built multiple companies that help families navigate the complex path to parenthood.
But what makes this conversation so compelling isn’t just Mary’s professional accomplishments—it’s her willingness to wrestle with the hard ethical questions as she also went on to start a PhD in Bioethics:
How old is too old to have a baby?
What does justice mean in fertility care?
And what happens when we pay someone to give life?
We also talk about working motherhood—what it looked like in the '80s, what’s changed, and what hasn’t.
This is a rich, nuanced, and necessary conversation about autonomy, compassion, and the future of family building.
What does it mean to build a family—with science, ethics, and heart? 💭
Mary M. Fusillo has worn many hats: trauma nurse, infertility clinic director, business founder, and now bioethicist. In this episode, we talk about:
🔹 Navigating motherhood and career in the 80s
🔹 The explosion of egg donation and surrogacy
🔹 What justice, autonomy, and dignity really mean in fertility care
🔹 The hard ethical questions no one wants to ask—but Mary does.
🔹 Autonomy is sacred in bioethics, but it becomes complicated when multiple people’s rights intersect—intended parents, donors, surrogates, and the child who will one day grow up with their own story.
🔹 Justice asks not only “Is this legal?” but “Is this fair?”—and fairness requires looking at the broader systems of power, race, income, and gender that shape outcomes.
🔹 In trying to do good (beneficence), we must not cause harm (nonmaleficence). But in fertility care, there’s always some risk—and always some sacrifice. Where is the line?
🔹 As bioethics evolves, more people are advocating for the child’s right to identity—including their biological and birth history. Secrecy may offer short-term comfort, but it raises long-term questions about trust and justice.
🔹 Ethics isn’t just about logic—it’s about deeply held values. When medicine, motherhood, and mission intersect, we’re called to hold space for complexity, humility, and grace.
Bioethics is not about having perfect answers. It’s about being brave enough to ask the hard questions—and compassionate enough to sit in the tension.
In a world where we can design families and extend life, bioethics asks: Are we doing it with love, justice, and wisdom?
Whether you're in medicine, motherhood, or simply care about the future of family, this is a must-listen.
Connect with Mary:
www.familysolutionsinternational.com, @donorsolution, @the_eggsplanation_pod, www.thedonorsolution.com
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannamoses/
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