How has the fertility industry evolved, and why has surrogacy become one of the main topics discussed in 2023?

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As National Surrogacy Week 2023 draws in for a close, I wanted to reflect on how the fertility industry has evolved and how surrogacy has become one of the main topics discussed in 2023. 

As a dad via surrogacy and egg donation, witnessing the positive growth of people needing UK surrogacy has been a privilege to follow, especially when TwoDadsUK or My Surrogacy Journey has played a small part in making that happen. With more fertility clinics offering surrogacy than ever before, how do you even find a clinic aligned with your values, needs and personal circumstances.

When I decided to work full time in the fertility and surrogacy space, I did so with the goal that me and my husband wanted to improve the surrogacy landscape, and challenge the sector, introduce a professionally produced Podcast, call out where independent surrogacy has exploited intended parents and surrogates   This would include improved access to education on surrogacy, enhancements to benefits that intended parents and surrogates need, advocating for surrogacy law reform, and the work with the fertility sector to improve the experience for patients navigating surrogacy, especially those from marginalised groups.

Over the years I’ve worked with so many talented healthcare professionals, allies, surrogacy advocates and passionate lawyers all with the same ambition; improved family building, for all.  One particular ally and someone I’m proud to call a friend, is Dr Carole Gilling-Smith, CEO, Founder and Medical Director at The Agora Fertility Clinic, located in Brighton.  I’ve personally witnessed the growth of this clinic, the team and the services they proudly lead on.  From the moment you land on their website you are greeted by the most inclusive language, icon usage and imagery; showcasing that this clinic is here for you, no matter your sexual orientation or how you identify. Family building and fertility preservation is for all.

The Agora and Dr Carole Gilling-Smith have supported our work, and more importantly our members and intended parents to build their family, however they choose to. Meticulously managing their journey all the way into parenthood, and beyond.  I attended a recent Open Day at the newly opened, purpose-built clinic with specially created ‘surrogacy only’ spaces, such as larger scanning rooms.  The Agora invited members of the public to listen to a series of presentations by their medical and clinical team, and I was honoured to speak about my journey and the work we do in this wonderful space. One of the things that struck me was not only the wealth of experience, but the sheer inclusivity of the team. I felt not only welcomed, but valid and celebrated and this is what every fertility clinic should aspire to be.  Dr Carole is no shrinking violet when it comes to speaking up either, she challenges the heteronormative narrative and writes passionate about accessible and equitable fertility treatment, check out this particular blog she wrote.

Thank you to all those that nominated us too in the National Surrogacy Awards this year, whether we scoop an award or not, we’re totally blessed already. Surrogacy continues to change and enrich our life, with more excitement to come with the incoming law changes, launching new surrogate membership benefits and the expansion of our Mexico City programme and the opportunity to grow my own little family, who knows next national surrogacy week, we may have a new member of the Johnson-Ellis household, but more on that later!