Fertility seminar for same-sex couples

A fertility seminar for same-sex couples will be held in Bondi Junction next Wednesday.

The free talk will cover the human aspect of same-sex couples wanting to start a family, any medical challenges, and outline the typical process couples have to go through.

Fertility East, a doctor-managed and accredited fertility clinic, will host the seminar.

Speaker Professor Kerryn Phelps said same-sex couples wanting to start a family face the challenge of having additional biological parents.

There is also the issue of the choice of donor sperm for women or surrogate for men, and the legal issues of rights and responsibilities of the biological and non-biological parents and children.

The lack of legal recognition of our families, Prof Phelps said, is an added complication, “so it is important that every individual has canvassed the issues”.

“Having children places strains on any relationship, which are often not anticipated, so it is also important to consider issues like child care arrangements, who works and who stays at home and financial arrangements,” she said.

Prof Phelps said fertility starts with a supportive GP who can guide you through the process and maximise results by ensuring you are as healthy as you can be in preparation for conception and pregnancy.

Speakers at the upcoming seminar include Dr Joel Bernstein, Joanne Heatrick and a same-sex couple who will talk about their experience.

The seminar will be held at Fertility East, Level 26, Westfield Tower 1, 520 Oxford St, Bondi Junction on Wednesday 24 October at 6pm. Light refreshments will be served. To book, phone Dasha on 9389 1177.