Event Recording: Surrogacy in the US for single people – 24th Feb 22
We will be hosting a free event on US surrogacy for single parents (in the UK), speaking with a single parents about their journey.
Brilliant Beginnings attended the Progress Educational Trust’s Annual Conference 2021
With lots of experience of surrogacy, including in the US, we review the latest movie on this topic: The Surrogate.
Film review: The Surrogate
With lots of experience of surrogacy, including in the US, we review the latest movie on this topic: The Surrogate.
What we learned at the Royal College of Nursing Fertility Nursing Forum conference 2021
Laura Clarke, a registered Nurse, shares insights on the fertility sector, the growth of surrogacy, and the impact of COVID on both.
Free zoom event recording – Surrogacy in the US and choosing the right egg donor
We hosted a free event on US surrogacy (for UK intended parents), with information on how to choose an egg donor for this route.
Free zoom event recording – Surrogacy in the US & maximising embryo quality
We hosted a free event on Surrogacy in the US and maximising embryo quality.
US travel reopens for surrogacy for UK intended parents
BB team member Stephen talks through the welcome news that the US is reopening for travel and how this will help those considering surrogacy in the US
Alyssa’s Hospital Bag Checklist
As a 2x surrogate, and with consultation from other experienced surrogates on the BB team, I have put together my list for Surrogates and IPs to pack in their hospital bag!
What it’s like to be matched as a surrogate with Brilliant Beginnings
Nicky, a surrogate and case manager with BB, shares her experience of the matching process and meeting her intended parents for the first time.
New data from English family court shows 350% growth in UK and international surrogacy over the last 12 years
Brilliant Beginnings and NGA Law are proud to announce the launch of our joint US Surrogacy Pathway for UK individuals and couples seeking surrogacy in the US.
We’ve launched a joint NGA Law and Brilliant Beginnings US Surrogacy Pathway
Brilliant Beginnings and NGA Law are proud to announce the launch of our joint US Surrogacy Pathway for UK individuals and couples seeking surrogacy in the US.
Brilliant Beginnings’ new holistic UK surrogacy pathway with NGA Law
We are delighted to be working with NGA Law to fully integrate both the practical and legal aspects of UK surrogacy in a seamless service.
Talking cross-border surrogacy at the World Congress of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
Natalie took part in The Fertility Show’s 2021 Online Summit and was interviewed about surrogacy law. You can find out more about the event and how to watch her interview.
The Fertility Show Online Summit 2021 – Surrogacy law
Natalie took part in The Fertility Show’s 2021 Online Summit and was interviewed about surrogacy law. You can find out more about the event and how to watch her interview.
Free zoom event – Surrogacy in the US – 29th July 2021
Brilliant Beginnings are pleased to be hosting a free Zoom event alongside NGA Law and New England Fertility for intended parents looking to go to the US for surrogacy.
Shout out for our surrogate supporters!
The surrogate supporters, the surrogate’s partners and parents, are the unsung heroes who are there to rub backs, and feet, to listen and steer.
The Brilliant Beginnings surrogates’ retreat 2021
Our annual surrogates’ retreat went online this year. We were joined by a wonderful group of experienced and new surrogates in a day of pampering and support.
‘Surrogacy for single people’ free zoom event with Wayne Jackson – 6pm Monday 30th November
Brilliant Beginnings is hosting a free online event to discuss surrogacy for single people. We’ll be speaking with Wayne Jackson, who is on his journey as a single parent.
The Guardian reports on the challenges of COVID-19 for international surrogacy
The Guardian has quoted our director Natalie Gamble in a piece about the challenges the global pandemic is creating for UK parents having babies through surrogacy in the USA.
Wired Magazine reports on surrogacy births during the pandemic
Wired Magazine has published a feature about the challenges experienced by parents with children born through international surrogacy during the pandemic. Quoting us, it says: “Brilliant Beginnings, a UK not-for-profit agency that facilitates international surrogacy, has…
BBC Today Programme on stranded surrogacy babies
Our founder Natalie Gamble was interviewed on this morning’s BBC Radio 4 Today Programme about the problems faced by surrogacy families in the current coronavirus crisis.
The Guardian reports on new parents stuck in the US amid COVID-19 shutdown
The Guardian has covered the story of parents through US surrogacy who have been stranded in the US with newborns after the US announced closure of its passport office this week. Quoting us, the article says…
The Telegraph reports on the risks of unsupported UK surrogacy
The Telegraph has covered a sad story of a UK surrogate who was left feeling traumatised after an independent surrogacy journey in which she did not feel well supported. Quoting us, Kate Graham said…
BBC Victoria Derbyshire show debates surrogacy reform
Natalie Gamble was part of the Victoria Derbyshire show today which considered the Law Commission’s proposals for surrogacy law reform
My surrogacy journey: An intended parent’s story
Paul shares his surrogacy journey as an intended parent, from thinking about surrogacy, to matching with a surrogacy, to meeting his babies.
Surrogacy stories: A family shining bright
We share the story of how Chris and Andrew, with the help of their surrogate Katie, brought Lyra into the world.
Surrogacy in a pandemic: My story of giving birth during COVID-19
Births can be hard in normal circumstances, but with surrogacy, COVID-19 and twins, there was a lot to manage. This was how two healthy babies were born.
A surrogate and nurse on planning for a surrogate birth during COVID-19
The situation here in the UK is evolving daily with new announcements from the government about Coronavirus and the ongoing impact this pandemic is having on our country, and in particular our NHS.
The Guardian on the rise of single fathers by choice
The Guardian has published a feature about the growing numbers of men pursuing parenthood through surrogayc, adoption and fostering, sharing their stories. We were pleased to help with the article, which also quotes our founder Natalie Gamble:
The greatest gift: why I chose to become a surrogate – Laura Clarke
When I tell people I have been a surrogate not once, not twice, but currently carrying twins for my third journey, the reaction is normally sheer bewilderment or amazement.
UK PhD student calls for surrogacy reform
Emma Walmsley is a second year PhD student from the University of Liverpool.
National survey for Infertility Network UK and Middlesex University
Infertility Network UK and researchers at Middlesex University are conducting a national survey to help understand the experiences of people considering fertility treatment, currently having treatment or who have previously had treatment.
Survey published, recommending legal reform and pre-birth orders for UK surrogacy
We are delighted to see the report from Surrogacy UK following its survey of surrogacy practice in the UK, and particularly its recommendations for law reform.
Could you be a Diversity role model?
Helen and Natalie met with Suran Dickson from the fantastic charity Diversity Role Models which is working hard to promote awareness of non-traditional families in schools.
Could you be a trustee for the National Gamete Trust?
The egg and sperm donation charity, the National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) (of which Brilliant Beginnings and Natalie Gamble Associates director Helen is a trustee), is looking for enthusiastic, motivated and dedicated individuals to complement their hardworking team of trustees.
UK children conceived through surrogacy and donation are well adjusted
Leading academics at Cambridge University have published the findings of important new research into the wellbeing of UK children born through surrogacy and gamete donation.
HFEA to clarify guidance on exporting eggs, sperm and embryos for international surrogacy
We are pleased to report that the UK’s fertility regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), is set to clarify its guidance on exporting eggs, sperm and embryos for surrogacy.
The Guardian reports on the challenges of COVID-19 for international surrogacy
The Guardian has quoted our director Natalie Gamble in a piece about the challenges the global pandemic is creating for UK parents having babies through surrogacy in the USA.
BBC Today Programme on stranded surrogacy babies
Our founder Natalie Gamble was interviewed on this morning’s BBC Radio 4 Today Programme about the problems faced by surrogacy families in the current coronavirus crisis.
The Guardian reports on new parents stuck in the US amid COVID-19 shutdown
The Guardian has covered the story of parents through US surrogacy who have been stranded in the US with newborns after the US announced closure of its passport office this week. Quoting us, the article says…
BBC Victoria Derbyshire show debates surrogacy reform
Natalie Gamble was part of the Victoria Derbyshire show today which considered the Law Commission’s proposals for surrogacy law reform
Surrogacy reform debated in Parliament
Surrogacy law reform was debated by MPs in Parliament on Tuesday, with a clear message that progressive law reform is urgently needed.
Getting to know BB: Tracey Sims, Surrogate Manager
BB Surrogate Manager Tracey shares a little about her role in BB, being an egg donor, a surrogate and about her busy family life.
Getting to know BB: Stephen Ashe, Client Development Manager
Client Manager Stephen has been with BB for a number of years and brings his personal experience of surrogacy with egg donation to his work.
Getting to know BB: Teresa Coote, Surrogate Manager
Teresa, or T, is one of Brilliant Beginnings’ Surrogate Managers. She’s spent much of her life helping people, became a BB surrogate then joined the team.
Getting to know BB: Esther Ezquerro – Client Manager
Esther is a Client Manager with personal and professional experience in adoption, alternative families and fertility issues. Get to know her in this blog!
Getting to know BB – Laura Clarke
We’re launching our Getting To Know BB series with Laura Clarke, who shares a little more about herself and her work with BB.
Reflecting on 2019, looking ahead to 2020
January is a time for thinking about new starts and new resolutions. For many people having a family is at the very top of their new year’s priorities.