Surrogacy Awareness Week 2024

Ursula and Leenesh knew from the early stages of their relationship that a pregnancy would pose a high risk due to Ursula’s heart condition. When they considered starting a family, they found their dreams slightly marred by the substantial risk pregnancy would pose to both Ursula and their future baby.

It was a heart-wrenching revelation for the couple, but the unwavering support from Ursula’s cardiology team and their families softened the blow.

Leenesh’s mother suggested surrogacy, a concept that was met with surprise and hope when discussed with Ursula’s cardiology team. This led to their introduction to Assisted Conception Services in Glasgow.

The couple also found encouragement and hope in the myriad surrogacy social media groups they came across, particularly when they discovered other couples like themselves achieving their dreams of a family through surrogacy.

Their initial joy was followed by a whirlwind of events, which initially seemed very promising. However, the first consultation with the Assisted Conception Services consultant was a reality check for them. They began to realise the complexities of surrogacy and the UK laws surrounding it. While they secured approval for funding, Scottish law required them to have a surrogate before creating embryos.

This situation caused a certain level of panic and introduced a measure of doubt in their hearts about the feasibility of their journey. Fortunately, they joined SurrogacyUK (SUK) around this time and found comfort in interacting with other members who were encountering similar challenges.

Attending a Scottish Social event hosted by SUK, where they got to hold an SUK baby, was a particularly uplifting moment for them. This experience reassured them that their dream of having a child could indeed become a reality.

Sharing their decision to pursue surrogacy with friends and family was initially fraught with apprehension. To their pleasant surprise, they were met with overwhelming support, curiosity, and encouragement from their loved ones. The support also extended to their workplaces, where their colleagues stood by them, showing great understanding and flexibility to accommodate their needs. Ursula’s discussion about surrogacy with her new colleagues, sparked by a BBC documentary, paved the way for more support and curiosity.

The couple acknowledges that the journey into surrogacy can be akin to a roller-coaster ride, with essential support coming from various quarters. They found a wealth of information online, some of which resonated with their situation. Being part of the SUK Facebook page for over a year before applying for membership, they learned from others’ experiences and connected with people on a similar journey.

Ursula and Leenesh’s story is a beacon of hope and determination, highlighting the importance of a supportive community in the surrogacy journey. Their experience also underscores the value of openness and transparency about one’s surrogacy journey, especially with friends, colleagues, and within supportive online communities.

Their journey is ongoing, fuelled by positivity, hope, and the unwavering belief that their dreams of parenthood will become a reality.