Thinking about surrogacy, IVF or donor conception? Whether you’re just starting out or already in the process, the journey can feel overwhelming. Legal, financial, and emotional complexities often go far beyond what you expect.
Join us at the Surrogacy & Donor Conference in London to hear first-hand insights from parents who’ve travelled this path and connect with international experts. Get clear, honest advice and practical guidance to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Real answers. Expert support. No sales pitches.
Why Attend Our London Event?
We’ve designed a full-day programme packed with essential information, honest discussions and valuable opportunities to connect with those who truly understand the journey.
Real Stories,
Practical Advice
Hear directly from UK and European parents who have been through surrogacy or donor journey and get a realistic picture of the process
Expert
Guidance
Join interactive Q&A sessions with leading professionals from around the world, covering the legal, medical, and logistical aspects that matter most to you
Understanding
Costs & Risks
Get a realistic breakdown of expenses, potential hurdles and what to prepare for when things don’t go to plan
Your Ticket Includes
Morning tea, full lunch and afternoon tea
Introductions to peer support networks
Pre-booked one-on-one consultations with expert speakers of your choice
25% discount on a Growing Families professional consultation
SPEAKERS AT OUR LONDON
SURROGACY & EGG DONOR EVENT
Dr. Melvin Thornton II
Proprietor & Medical Director
Global Fertility & Genetics
Dr. Thornton is one of the world’s leading experts in egg donation, surrogacy and has done extensive research in fertility treatment for HIV+ couples. His patients describe him as a reassuring, caring, and personable physician.
Fiona Powney
Mum via Georgia
Fiona’s 20-year journey to motherhood included freezing her eggs, a clinic mishap, multiple miscarriages, and exploring surrogacy. After a successful but lengthy surrogacy in Georgia, her second attempt in Ukraine faced the challenges of war.
Allie Manterfield
Director, Dreamweaver Surrogacy
llie Manterfield is the Surrogacy Program Director and CEO of Dreamweaver, as well as being a 2x experienced surrogate
What You’ll Learn
Surrogacy and donor conception come with big decisions – and even bigger questions. At the Surrogacy & Donor Conference in London, we’ll cut through the confusion with expert advice and real experiences.
Some of the Questions We’ll Answer:
- Which country is best for surrogacy? A breakdown of legal rights, costs, and practical considerations in key destinations
- How do you choose the right donor? Understanding medical, legal, and personal factors when selecting an egg or sperm donor
- How does IVF fit into the journey? What to expect, how to improve success rates and how it works alongside surrogacy or donor conception
- What are the most common mistakes to avoid? Spotting red flags with agencies, legal pitfalls, and ensuring ethical treatment
- What legal steps should you take? Get clear guidance on protecting yourself and ensuring a smooth, compliant process
We’ll also cover many more topics, along with the specific concerns and challenges you may be facing on your journey. Our goal is to provide the clarity, support and expert advice that will help you take the next step with confidence.
Meet Our Expert Speakers
Parents & Families Speaking at our London Event
Parents & Families Speaking at our Melbourne Event
London Surrogacy & Egg Donor Event Agenda
Note: We’ll have a morning session at 9AM for industry professionals where we discuss key legal aspects of international surrogacy. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to join in! View more details here.
10:30 AM –
10:40 AM
Introduction to Growing Families & Where Are We at Globally
Who are we, our International Advisory Board and partners. What is the status of programs in Canada? What has changed in Argentina? What is the status of surrogacy in European countries, the US and Canada?
Richard Scarlett & Sam Everingham, Growing Families
10:40 AM –
11:00 AM
IVF Considerations When Using a Donor or Surrogate
Medical considerations & screening. What can IVF specialists do to assess Sperm & egg quality prior to IVF? What impact does age have? What can I do to improve quality? Carrier screening; discusses embryo development, blastocysts, grading, Pre-Genetic-Aneuploidy Testing and how embryos are selected for transfer
Dr Melvin Thornton, Global Fertility
11:00 AM –
11:20 AM
Considerations in International Family Building
Budgets, timelines, your age, existing children, citizenship, type of surrogate or donor relationship desired, embryo quality. Risks of working with travelling’ surrogates? What are the key steps in the process? Which order should they be done in? What can hold up the process? Surrogate and Newborn Insurance
Sam Everingham, Growing Families
11:20 AM –
11:40 AM
Selecting a Country – Panel Discussion
Where can I engage? How does surrogacy practice differ in English vs non-English speaking countries in regard to surrogate screening, care, reimbursement and contact pre and post birth? How do hybrid programs work? Timeframes, Success rates. Legal protections; How do costs compare? What egg donors are available? Covers five jurisdictions
Moderator: Sam Everingham, Growing Families
Panelists: Anastasia Polonska, Naia Adamia, Allie Manterfield
11:40 AM –
12:10 PM
Morning Tea
12:10 PM –
12:50 PM
International Parent Journeys
Recent parents discuss decision-making, surrogate relationships, disclosure to family, Differences in medication regimes; cultural barriers; hurdles along the way, legal parentage, costs and a myriad of audience questions
12:50 PM –
01:10 PM
Legal & Ethical Issues in International Surrogacy
When to seek advice. What can go wrong. What citizenship will my child acquire? What passport are they eligible for? What are the processes involved? How do timelines differ? What are the typical hold-ups? Who can assist?
Natalie Gamble, NGA Law
01:10 PM –
01:30 PM
International Surrogate Panel
Surrogates from Georgia, Colombia, US & Canada discuss their motivations, expectations, journeys and contact with IPs and children.
Tea Jamagidze (Georgia); Meghan Kolodka (Canada); Allie Manterfield (US)
01:30 PM –
02:45 PM
Lunch & Networking
02:45 PM –
03:05 PM
What Does the Research Show?
Discusses the latest evidence on the psychological well-being of surrogates, parents and children born via egg donation and surrogacy in different settings
Dr Vasanti Jadva, City St Georges, University of London
03:05 PM –
03:20 PM
Surrogacy in the USA – Ask Me Anything
Melvin Thornton, Paul Riggio, Richard Scarlett, Robert Prosser
03:20 PM –
03:35 PM
Surrogacy in Georgia & Cyprus – Ask Me Anything
Anastasia Polonska, Naia Adamia, Fiona Powney
03:35 PM –
03:50 PM
Surrogacy in Canada – Ask me Anything
Alex McNab & Ellen Embury
03:50 PM –
04:00 PM
Customised Support
Where can IPs go to overcome specific challenges (eg specific donor ethnicities, complex citizenship issues, low cost programs) Details Growing Families Consultation and Concierge programs
04:00 PM –
04:20 PM
The Impact on Families
Children of surrogates and kids born via surrogacy discuss the impact on their lives of surrogacy, relationships with half-siblings and surro-siblings
4:20 PM –
4:50 PM
Afternoon Tea & Networking
Platinum Sponsors
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