Pathways to Parenthood
JMW’s Modern Families Team invites you to an evening of conversations around alternative pathways to parenthood.
Hear about the speakers’ reasons for deciding on their chosen pathway and the highs and lows of their experiences, with an opportunity to build connections and ask questions over drinks and nibbles. Ideal for anyone interested in pursuing an alternative route, whether it be due to medical or fertility issues, sexuality and/or personal preference.
If you wish to bring a guest(s), you are very welcome.
Agenda
18:00 - 18:15 - Arrival and welcome drinks
18:15 - Welcome from Mark Gilmartin and Paige Franks
18:20 - Speakers and Questions
19:10 - Refreshments and networking
20:00 - Event end
Speakers
Solo Motherhood
Sarah Woollett
Sarah, mum to Billy and Charlie born in June 2022, pursued solo motherhood during the Covid pandemic using her eggs and donor sperm.
Joint Motherhood
Saoirse O’Donovan
Saoirse and her wife, Celena, mums to Rafferty and Marlowe born in May 2024, pursued IVF using Saoirse’s eggs and donor sperm and Celena as the carrier.
Adoption
Kirsten McNamara
Kirsten is an advocate lawyer in the children’s social care legal team at Haringey Council, where she has worked for 17 years. She represents social workers in public law care proceedings, including presenting care plans of adoption and in adoption cases. Kirsten will be speaking about the adoption process from a local authority perspective, how the court deals with adoption, issues and other considerations.
Surrogacy
Shaun Thomas
Shaun and his partner, Paul, dads to Margot and Tomás born in 2022 and Rían born in 2024, pursued international surrogacy arrangements in Colombia. Shaun’s experience inspired him to set up The Surrogacy Father, a platform dedicated to guiding intended parents through their own surrogacy journeys.
Register your interest
You can reserve your place for this event here.