Surrogacy Awareness Week 2024

In a city in the UK, a journey filled with hope, determination and love has been unfolding.

It’s the tale of two resilient souls, a couple who have been steadfast in their quest to become parents despite the adversities thrown their way.

They first locked eyes in 2015, a time when the woman, a strong survivor of cervical cancer, had just gotten her ‘all clear’ from the doctors. Treatment had taken a toll on her ability to conceive naturally, yet, the idea of parenthood was still vivid in their minds.

Surrounded by a lively group of nephews, nieces, and godchildren, their yearning for a family of their own was impossible to ignore.

A friend’s serendipitous mention of surrogacy ignited a spark within them. Soon enough, their curiosities led them to a member of SurrogacyUK, who’d experienced the journey first-hand multiple times. In a cosy pub, they delved into an in-depth chat about the highs and lows of surrogacy.

That night, their lives took an exciting turn; their road to parenthood had officially begun.

The decision to tread this unique path wasn’t without its fair share of apprehensions. They juggled fears of potential emotional strains, financial challenges, and the infamous ‘what-ifs’. But a beacon of hope kept them going – a vivid image of themselves as a happy family. Every obstacle felt surmountable when that dream was in sight.

As the couple navigated their journey, support poured in from all corners. Friends, family, and the community rallied behind them, offering reassurances and endless cheers. The prospect of starting a family at 40, the lengthy journey, and the financial implications were significant factors, but with the unwavering support of their loved ones, they remained undeterred.

Their journey hasn’t been without misunderstandings, however. They’ve found themselves at the heart of nature versus nurture debates, explaining the roles of the surrogate and egg donor. They’ve also been bombarded with queries about the surrogate’s parental rights. Yet, they’ve taken each question in their stride, using these opportunities to spread awareness about surrogacy.

In terms of choosing a surrogate, they remain hopeful. They believe in trusting the journey and taking each step as it comes. It’s a waiting game, but they’re patient players.

When it comes to telling their future child about their unique birth story, they are firm believers in honesty and openness. They plan to nurture their child’s pride in their unique journey into the world and underscore the love that spurred their parents to undertake such an incredible journey.

The journey so far has been reassuring, they say. It’s taught them the true meaning of family – that biology is only a small part of the picture. They’ve met intended parents in similar situations and families with children born through surrogacy, confirming their belief that love, not blood, makes a family.

As for advice to other intended parents considering surrogacy, they wholeheartedly recommend asking questions, being curious, and leaning on the fantastic community at SurrogacyUK.

One of their fondest memories to date was the moment they shared their plans with their parents. Although they regret not capturing the moment in a photograph, they look forward to the multitude of picture-perfect memories that lie ahead, especially with their future baby’s grandparents.

As they await the arrival of their baby, they hold onto hope more than fear. They envision a future filled with nappies, crying, sleepless nights – and heaps of love. They eagerly await the privilege of parenthood, the joy of introducing a mini-them into their loving families.

Most importantly, they wish more people were aware of surrogacy and the joy it brings. They believe that society’s emphasis on traditional routes into parenthood overlooks the struggles and victories of those who tread unconventional paths.

They wish for more empathy, more awareness, and more understanding for the wonderful community of surrogate, fostering, and adoptive parents. And with their story, they’re already shining a light on the path less trodden.