On Saturday, 10th May 2025, Growing Families, an independent support organisation, will host a one-day conference at Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London, focusing on alternative paths to parenthood. This event aims to provide comprehensive guidance for individuals and couples considering options such as surrogacy, IVF, and donor conception.
With surrogacy becoming an increasingly complex and ethically debated topic, particularly in Europe, the conference seeks to address these concerns by offering unbiased information. Recent years have seen a shift towards international surrogacy options, with destinations like the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Mexico gaining prominence. This trend underscores the need for clear, ethical guidance for prospective parents.
The event will feature leading IVF specialists, fertility lawyers, surrogacy agencies, and experienced parents from the UK, US, Canada, Colombia, and Georgia. Notable speakers include Dr Melvin Thornton II, proprietor and medical director of Global Fertility & Genetics, who is renowned for his expertise in egg donation and surrogacy, and Fiona Powney, a mother via surrogacy in Georgia, who will share her personal journey through the process.
As an independent, consumer-led organisation, Growing Families focuses on education rather than commercial interests. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with parents who have firsthand experience with surrogacy and donor conception, gaining honest insights and valuable advice. The conference aims to provide trusted, evidence-based guidance to help individuals and couples make informed decisions about their paths to parenthood.
The conference is scheduled from 9:00am to 4:30pm at Friends House in London. Tickets are priced at £40.00, with a 50% discount available for early bird registrations until 30th March. The ticket includes morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, as well as introductions to peer support networks and the option to pre-book one-on-one consultations with expert speakers.
The full-day programme is designed to address various aspects of alternative family building, including:
- Navigating uncertainty. Discussions on the growing legal and ethical concerns surrounding surrogacy in Europe and the shift towards destinations like the US, Canada, Colombia, and Mexico.
- Expert guidance. Interactive Q&A sessions with leading professionals from around the world, covering the legal, medical, and logistical aspects of surrogacy and donor conception.
- Understanding costs and risks. Realistic breakdowns of expenses, potential hurdles, and preparations for unforeseen challenges.
- Personal stories. Panels featuring UK and European parents who have been through surrogacy or donor journeys, providing a realistic picture of the process.
Growing Families’ conference offers a unique platform for prospective parents to gain a realistic understanding of the complexities involved in alternative family building. By providing access to expert knowledge and personal experiences, the event aims to empower attendees to navigate their paths to parenthood with confidence and informed decision-making.
