Breaking the Genetic Lottery: Noor from Orchid on The Surrogacy Scoop

A Personal Mission to Revolutionize Reproductive Genetics

Genetics has rapidly evolved into a computational science, with artificial intelligence now playing a crucial role in assessing disease risk. Noor, the founder of Orchid, has been passionate about genomics from an early age. During her time at Stanford, she worked in AI labs, developing deep learning models to study genetic conditions such as schizophrenia, heart disease, and diabetes.

Her motivation, however, is deeply personal. Noor’s mother was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetic disorder that led to blindness in her 30s. Witnessing this firsthand drove Noor to focus on genetic screening for embryos, aiming to help families identify and reduce hereditary risks before pregnancy. She wanted to address the unfairness of the genetic lottery by giving parents greater insight into their embryos than ever before. For Noor, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing healthy babies born—knowing her technology played a role in helping families make informed reproductive choices.

Orchid’s Mission and How It Works

Orchid is a reproductive technology company dedicated to helping families measure and mitigate genetic risk before pregnancy. Their advanced genetic testing covers 99% of the genome, screening for over 1,200 diseases, including birth defects, heart conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and pediatric cancers.

Many individuals using IVF, surrogacy, or donor gametes choose Orchid because of its comprehensive approach to embryo screening. The process begins with a consultation with a genetic counselor, which can be scheduled at OrchidHealth.com. During this session, the counselor assesses family history and explains the screening process. Orchid works nationwide, partnering with IVF centers to coordinate testing.

Once embryos are created in an IVF lab, the embryologist retrieves 3-5 cells from each embryo, which are then sent to Orchid’s lab for analysis. By using cutting-edge sequencing technology, Orchid provides whole-genome data, allowing parents to make informed decisions before embryo transfer. Results are typically available within 21 days.

What Makes Orchid Different?

Traditional PGTA testing used in IVF focuses on chromosomal abnormalities, but it provides limited genetic insight. Noor compares this to reading chapter titles in a book, whereas Orchid’s method is like running a full spell-check on the entire text. Their advanced computational techniques allow for a more detailed and accurate genetic assessment.

Confidentiality is also a top priority. All genetic data is anonymized, and only essential personnel have access to identifying information. Orchid follows medical-grade security protocols, ensuring that patient privacy is never compromised. Noor emphasizes that every client is treated with the highest level of discretion, as if their story were under media scrutiny.

Empowering Families with Genetic Insight

Orchid is transforming genetic screening in reproductive health, equipping parents with the information they need to make confident choices. Noor’s journey—from AI research at Stanford to launching Orchid—demonstrates how technology and personal experience can drive meaningful change.

For families pursuing IVF, surrogacy, or donor conception, Orchid offers unmatched clarity and peace of mind. To learn more, visit OrchidHealth.com and schedule a consultation today.