The Surrogacy Conference UK 2018, organized by Families Through Surrogacy, was a major event aimed at bringing together intended parents, surrogates, industry professionals, and legal experts to share knowledge, support, and resources related to surrogacy. Held in London, this annual event catered to individuals and couples who were either beginning their surrogacy journey or seeking more information on navigating the process both domestically and internationally.

Key Highlights of the Surrogacy Conference UK 2018

1. Legal Aspects of Surrogacy in the UK One of the main topics covered was the UK’s legal landscape for surrogacy. In the UK, surrogacy agreements are not legally binding, and intended parents need to apply for a parental order after the birth of the child to gain legal parenthood. Key points discussed at the conference included:

• The Legal Process: Experts provided detailed guidance on the steps involved in securing parental rights, including applying for a parental order and navigating the legal system.
• Surrogacy Contracts: While not legally enforceable, these agreements are essential to outlining the responsibilities and expectations of both the surrogate and intended parents.
• International Surrogacy Laws: Attendees also learned about the complexities of pursuing surrogacy abroad and the process of bringing their child back to the UK.

2. Domestic and International Surrogacy Options The conference provided insights into both domestic surrogacy within the UK and international surrogacy programs. Key discussions included:

• Domestic Surrogacy: With the UK offering an altruistic surrogacy framework, speakers discussed the benefits and challenges of finding surrogates locally, along with the support systems available.
• International Surrogacy: For intended parents considering surrogacy abroad, the conference covered popular surrogacy destinations such as the U.S., Ukraine, Canada, and Greece. Presenters explained the legal implications, costs, and how to safely navigate international programs.

3. Medical Insights and Fertility Treatments Surrogacy relies on advanced medical technology, and the conference featured presentations by leading fertility specialists who discussed:

• The IVF process used in surrogacy, from egg retrieval to embryo transfer.
• Success rates of IVF in surrogacy programs and factors that influence outcomes.
• Choosing a fertility clinic and understanding the medical procedures involved in surrogacy, including health screenings for both surrogates and intended parents.

4. Emotional Support and Surrogacy Challenges Surrogacy is an emotional journey for both intended parents and surrogates, and the conference recognized the importance of psychological support. Attendees learned about:

• Managing Expectations: Counselors and surrogacy agencies emphasized the importance of clear communication and managing emotional expectations throughout the surrogacy journey.
• Mental Health Resources: Surrogates and intended parents alike were provided with mental health resources to ensure they have emotional support throughout the process.
• Relationship Building: Tips were shared on how to nurture a healthy and respectful relationship between intended parents and surrogates, ensuring that both parties feel valued and supported.

5. Personal Stories: Sharing Surrogacy Journeys One of the most impactful aspects of the Surrogacy Conference UK 2018 was the inclusion of real-life surrogacy stories. Intended parents, surrogates, and families who had successfully completed their surrogacy journeys shared their experiences. These personal accounts offered a candid look at the emotional highs and lows, the challenges of navigating the legal and medical aspects, and the ultimate joy of achieving parenthood through surrogacy.

6. Networking and Support The conference also provided a platform for networking, where attendees could connect with surrogates, intended parents, fertility specialists, and surrogacy agencies. The opportunity to meet others going through similar experiences was invaluable, as it fostered community support and offered a space to exchange ideas, resources, and advice.

Workshops and Breakout Sessions

In addition to the main presentations, the conference included workshops and breakout sessions tailored to specific aspects of the surrogacy process. These smaller, interactive sessions allowed attendees to dive deeper into topics of interest, such as:

• Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Specific legal and medical considerations for LGBTQ+ intended parents.
• Financial Planning for Surrogacy: Practical advice on budgeting for surrogacy, understanding costs, and managing financial expectations.
• Talking to Children About Surrogacy: Guidance on how to explain the surrogacy process to children, both for intended parents and surrogates.

Key Takeaways from the Surrogacy Conference UK 2018

The Surrogacy Conference UK 2018 was an essential event for anyone exploring or already engaged in surrogacy. Some of the main takeaways included:

• Understanding the Legal Process: Attendees gained critical insights into the UK’s surrogacy laws and the importance of securing a parental order post-birth.
• Choosing the Right Path: Whether pursuing surrogacy domestically or internationally, attendees left with a clearer understanding of the options available and how to select the right program for their family.
• Medical and Emotional Preparedness: Fertility specialists and counselors provided crucial advice on the medical steps involved and how to emotionally prepare for the journey.
• Building a Support Network: Attendees learned the importance of connecting with others in the surrogacy community for ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement.

Conclusion

The Surrogacy Conference UK 2018 provided a comprehensive overview of surrogacy, equipping attendees with the information, resources, and emotional support needed to navigate their surrogacy journey. Through expert presentations, personal stories, and practical workshops, the event offered invaluable guidance on the legal, medical, and emotional aspects of surrogacy, empowering intended parents and surrogates to move forward with confidence and hope.