The UK & Ireland October Seminar Series is a much-anticipated event that brings together intended parents, surrogates, industry professionals, and legal experts to explore all aspects of the surrogacy journey. Hosted by Families Thru Surrogacy, the seminar series provides attendees with in-depth information, expert guidance, and real-life stories from individuals who have successfully navigated surrogacy in the UK, Ireland, and internationally.

This series is designed to address the unique legal, medical, and emotional aspects of surrogacy, helping individuals and couples on their path to parenthood.

Key Themes of the October Seminar Series

1. Legal Guidance on Surrogacy in the UK and Ireland One of the primary focus areas of the seminar series is understanding the legal frameworks surrounding surrogacy in the UK and Ireland. Legal experts will provide clarity on:

• Parental Orders: The process for intended parents to become legal parents after the birth of the child through a parental order.
• Surrogacy Agreements: The importance of creating clear and transparent surrogacy agreements, even though they are not legally binding in the UK.
• Cross-Border Surrogacy: Legal considerations for those pursuing surrogacy in other countries and how to ensure a smooth process for bringing the child back to the UK or Ireland.

2. Medical Processes and Fertility Treatments Medical experts will guide attendees through the various fertility treatments and procedures involved in surrogacy. This includes:

• IVF and Embryo Transfer: An overview of the IVF process, egg donation, and embryo transfer as part of surrogacy.
• Health Screening for Surrogates: Ensuring that surrogates meet the necessary health standards and receive appropriate medical care throughout the pregnancy.
• Success Rates and Medical Risks: An understanding of what influences IVF success rates and potential risks involved in the surrogacy process.

3. International Surrogacy Programs With many intended parents considering international surrogacy, the seminar will feature discussions on popular surrogacy destinations, such as the U.S., Canada, Ukraine, and Georgia. Attendees will learn about:

• Costs and Timelines for surrogacy in different countries.
• Legal processes involved in bringing a child born via surrogacy back to the UK or Ireland.
• Medical and ethical considerations when choosing an international surrogacy program.

4. Emotional and Psychological Support The emotional journey of surrogacy can be overwhelming for both intended parents and surrogates. The seminar series will offer:

• Counseling and emotional support sessions to help manage the emotional challenges of the surrogacy journey.
• Relationship-building tips for maintaining a positive relationship between surrogates and intended parents.
• Preparing for parenthood: Emotional support to help intended parents prepare for the transition to parenthood after the surrogacy process.

5. Real-Life Surrogacy Stories Hearing personal experiences from those who have gone through surrogacy is one of the most impactful aspects of the seminar series. Families who have successfully navigated surrogacy in the UK, Ireland, and abroad will share:

• First-hand accounts of the challenges and rewards of the surrogacy process.
• Practical advice on how to overcome obstacles and manage expectations.
• Emotional reflections on the journey to parenthood through surrogacy.

Workshops and Interactive Sessions

In addition to expert presentations, the seminar series will offer a range of workshops and interactive sessions, allowing participants to delve deeper into specific topics, including:

• Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Exploring the specific legal, social, and medical considerations for LGBTQ+ intended parents.
• Budgeting for Surrogacy: Detailed advice on financial planning for surrogacy, including medical, legal, and surrogate compensation costs.
• Explaining Surrogacy to Children: Guidance for intended parents and surrogates on how to talk to children about surrogacy and their birth story.

Networking and Community Support

The UK & Ireland October Seminar Series also provides an invaluable opportunity for attendees to connect with others in the surrogacy community. Networking sessions will allow intended parents, surrogates, and professionals to share their experiences, offer support, and create lasting connections.

Through these networking opportunities, participants can build their own support network of like-minded individuals who are on similar journeys, offering emotional support and practical advice along the way.

Key Takeaways from the October Seminar Series

Attendees of the seminar series can expect to leave with a deeper understanding of surrogacy, feeling empowered and informed. Key takeaways include:

• Legal clarity on the surrogacy process in the UK, Ireland, and internationally.
• Medical insights into the IVF process, health screenings, and surrogacy risks.
• Emotional and psychological support for both surrogates and intended parents.
• Practical advice from experts and personal stories from families who have completed their surrogacy journey.