Breaking the Silence: Exploring Your Options Through Surrogacy or Donor Conception

About this event

Adult. Infertility and pregnancy loss is not a topic that we often talk openly about. Yet, according to Fertility Canada, roughly 1 in 6 couples experience infertility, a number that has doubled in Canada since the 1980's. Those navigating these challenges often face a range of emotional and social impacts, including feelings of shame, guilt, isolation, and, in some cases, depression and loss of self-esteem. At the same time, friends and family members can often feel unsure of how best to offer meaningful support. Breaking the Silence: Conversations on Infertility & Loss is a series that aims to open the conversation. This session will focus on: surrogacy and donor conception options. Every path to building a family is unique. For some, surrogacy or the use of donor eggs, donor sperm, or donor embryos may provide new possibilities for growing their family. Understanding these options can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating medical, legal, and emotional considerations. Join us for an informative and compassionate discussion that explores the many pathways available through surrogacy and third-party reproduction. Join Melissa Espino, the Third Party Nurse Coordinator from the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine, who will provide an overview of the process, discuss when these options may be considered, and explain the medical, legal, ethical, and emotional aspects of using a gestational carrier or donor gametes. Important Note: This discussion is educational in nature and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Participants are encouraged to consult licensed healthcare professionals regarding their individual circumstances. This class will be hosted online on Zoom. The Zoom link to join will be emailed in a reminder email ~24 hours before the class.