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Webchat, Tuesday 22 September, 1-2pm: What do you want to know about surrogacy?

104 replies

RachelMumsnet · 17/09/2015 13:58

Come and join our webchat on Tuesday, 22 September (1-2pm), in which three people will share their experiences of, and expertise on, the subject of surrogacy.

Alice Jolly is a novelist, playwright and creative writing teacher. Her memoir, Dead Babies and Seaside Towns is an honest account of her experience of surrogacy. After the stillbirth of her second child, five miscarriages and a stalled attempt at adoption, surrogacy was Alice's final chance to have a second child. Commercial surrogacy illegal in Britain, so she and her husband faced a series of moral, emotional and legal obstacles before finding a woman in the US willing to carry their child. Her book offers a glimpse into a little-known, often misrepresented world.

Helen Prosser is a leading UK expert on surrogacy. Her team at non-profit agency Brilliant Beginnings supports parents and surrogates in the UK, and helps UK parents navigate the complex road of international surrogacy, as well as campaigning for change. She's a member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's National Donation Strategy Group, and a former trustee of the National Gamete Donation Trust.

Solicitor Natalie Gamble specialises in UK fertility law. Her team at Natalie Gamble Associates has represented more than 400 parents starting families through surrogacy, and has campaigned for years to improve the law. Natalie was named in the Independent on Sunday's Pink List as one of the UK's 100 most influential gay people, and as the Times Lawyer of the Week.

Put your questions to Alice, Natalie and Helen at 1pm on Tuesday - or if you're unable to join us then, post your questions in advance on this thread.

Webchat,  Tuesday 22 September, 1-2pm: What do you want to know about surrogacy?
Webchat,  Tuesday 22 September, 1-2pm: What do you want to know about surrogacy?
Webchat,  Tuesday 22 September, 1-2pm: What do you want to know about surrogacy?
OP posts:
AliceJolly · 22/09/2015 14:29

Good bye and thanks to all who contributed here. What a fantastic range of thoughts, questions and stories. I find it very heartening to see people considering so many aspects of these difficult questions. I feel a bit cheap saying - please do read my book. But I feel I can say that as 50% of the proceeds are going to Sands (Stillbiirth and NeoNatal Death Charity). As I've said, the aim of the book isn't to put a particular view point. It is just to tell my story and give an airing to some challenging questions.

HelenProsser · 22/09/2015 14:30

It has been great to chat to you all and thanks so much for getting involved. Surrogacy is such an amazing gift for anyone involved.

If you have any more questions, do send them through to the team at [email protected] or look at our website www.brilliantbeginnings.co.uk.

Many thanks! Helen

Ana27 · 22/09/2015 14:30

Thanks Natalie, the question was prompted by a programme made by a US journalist who had investigated surrogacy in India and been offered a 'spare' baby to take home there and then. It just made me think that there is a lot of potential for criminal gangs to exploit the situation and create a market in babies.

Thanks to your all for such an interesting chat and your thoughtful responses.

GayByrne · 22/09/2015 15:43

Thank you everyone.

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