Surrogacy Awareness Week 2024

In the heart of West London lives a resilient couple – both British and African, a blending of vibrant cultures. At 33 and 43 years old, they’re seasoned travellers, and deeply faithful Christians.

Their path towards parenthood has been a difficult one, filled with hurdles and heartache, but throughout it all, their resolve remains unshaken.

Their story is not just about a journey towards surrogacy, but also about strength, endurance, and an undying hope for a family of their own. As they eagerly await a surrogate, their optimism and faith remain unflinching.

The journey began with the couple trying to conceive naturally, but unsuccessful attempts due to ovulation difficulties led them to explore IVF. Despite two successful embryo transfers resulting in pregnancies, both ended in second-trimester losses, an unimaginably painful experience for the couple.

On both occasions, the mother-to-be suffered from PPROM (premature rupture of membranes) and cervical incompetence, causing her body to struggle with carrying a pregnancy to term. Despite their heart-breaking losses, the couple has been left with a silver lining: 17 frozen embryos in their London IVF clinic, each a potential addition to their eagerly anticipated family. With no genetic abnormalities detected, the couple takes solace knowing their embryos were good, further strengthening their resolve to forge ahead on their journey to parenthood.

The decision to pursue surrogacy was one influenced by circumstances, but also by unanimous support. The suggestion came independently from the husband, the mother, and the IVF clinic – an alignment that brought much-needed peace to the wife. She took solace in the fact that she had done everything possible to carry their children, and surrogacy was the next hopeful step towards their dream.

As they currently wait for the perfect surrogate match, one of their initial concerns was that race might limit their chances of finding a surrogate. There was a misconception that a surrogate must be of the same race as the intended parents, but they were relieved to discover that race is not a factor. This revelation brought them hope and propelled their surrogacy journey further.

Regarding their future child’s birth story, the couple plans on embracing honesty and transparency. Surrogacy will be an integral part of their child’s identity, with the surrogate envisioned as a part of their extended family or a cherished ‘aunty.’ They hope to explain, in an age-appropriate manner, the journey of love, care, and selflessness that brought their child into the world.

In their anticipation for the arrival of their baby, the couple has hopes and fears, like any prospective parents. Their hope is to build an organic friendship with their surrogate, rooted in respect, effective communication, and kindness. Their greatest wish is to bring a healthy baby into the world, a beacon of joy and love after their previous journey filled with grief and heartache.

This anonymous West London couple’s surrogacy journey serves as an inspiration for many. As they wait in hopeful anticipation for their surrogate, their story is one of resilience and determination, highlighting that unconventional paths can lead to the most beautiful destinations – in their case, a long-awaited, loving family.