GH: December 2023 Discussion Thread

[Contessa Donatella]

At this point I'm going to copycat CG. 

[carolineg]

Oh definitely.  It's just icky to put that out there and I started the discussion and I am over it now.  It is what it is, but it's certainly not KS's big butt that makes matters worse lol.

[j swift]

It stuck out like a sore thumb that Maxie is having money issues, but Molly and TJ can afford multiple rounds of surrogacy without an issue when the typical cost is $100,000.00

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Edited December 2, 2023 by j swift

[carolineg]

I have almost flip flopped my stance on this.  The girl probably gets so much hate from keyboard warriors as it is.  It's.....not that big of a deal.  Maxie could look more presentable, but it's just not the point anymore.

He's a doctor and she's a lawyer.  They seem to live a pretty sustainable life without luxury.  I don't think it's that crazy.  I assume they have savings and 401K's and stuff.

And their surrogate lost the baby pretty early on.  I don't think they paid her the entire cost.

[j swift]

It may seem like TJ and Molly are well off, but:

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IRL they would struggle with the cost, and it just seemed like an oversight not to mention it within the story.

[carolineg]

Yeah, my sister has been a lawyer for years and isn't rich.  I can see that, but I think the optics of their careers make it more believable than how it actually looks on paper.  Like, I personally bought it without too much thought.  I am not saying you are wrong, but I was just thinking they lived pretty modestly and had some savings.

Edited December 2, 2023 by carolineg

[j swift]

Just for further clarification, because it sparked my interest, the base pay prior to IVF for a surrogate is $35,000.00 and the agency fee is $40,000.  So, it's close to $100,000 before anyone even conceives.

Which renders the idea that Molly could conspire with her sister and not tell TJ illogical, because the cost would be noticeable for any couple.  Upon review, you can't just get your sister to be a surrogate and avoid the fee, because that is how the legal and medical expenses are paid.

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On another note, while I'm pleased that the Pikeman story seems to be getting some legs. Did anyone else feel like now that the strike is over, the writers did a major re-set this week in order to get their prior stories back on track?  For example, Nina standing up to Michael, Drew making academic decisions, and Chase's proposal all felt like a sudden shift in focus and motives for these characters.  Even Ava's confession to Nina managed to avoid a lot of strike material.

 

Edited December 2, 2023 by j swift

[John]

I wonder if GH filmed the memorial for Bobbie/Jackie Zeman  this past week.

Edited December 2, 2023 by John

[carolineg]

So this is super morbid, but if Andrea lost the baby do they still have to pay that much?

[Contessa Donatella]

@John   Just in case you missed what I posted. Now I know you don't like hints, ... too bad. Have a nice day. 

Edited December 2, 2023 by Donna L. Bridges
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[j swift]

So the expectant couple pays monthly, and payments stop if the surrogate stops being pregnant.  However, the $75,000 upfront fee is paid regardless of outcome.  And the agency gets a second fee if the couple even begins to explore a second surrogate.

[carolineg]

Hmmm...it seems cheaper to adopt.  I know surrogacy is more relevant, but I have never met anyone who went through that process.

[John]

Ok Thank You

Edited December 2, 2023 by John

[Contessa Donatella]

Oh, you're welcome! I wish I'd thought of it. I could've added 

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WOW. Then, medically, do they also have to have insurance for & pay out of pocket for each IVF procedure? Because I recall that really adds up. 

[carolineg]

I don't think insurance pays for IVF even on yourself.  I may have bad insurance but I am pretty sure it's an elective procedure.  Especially if it's on someone else.  No clear idea though.  Seeing the cost, I should have rented out my womb years ago lol.