Worlds AIDS Day Podcast Special
Today, December the 1st, is World AIDS Day.
The most recent estimate in 2019 suggests there were 105,200 people living with HIV in the UK. Of these, around 6,600 are undiagnosed so do not know they are HIV positive.
One of TwoDads UK missions listed on our website is titled; Positive Surrogacy. We are going to focus a portion of our time to campaign for equal fertility treatment of those living with HIV, who want to access Surrogacy as a way to build their family.
Did you know?
- There were approximately 38 million people across the globe with HIV/AIDS in 2019. Of these, 36.2 million were adults and 1.8 million were children (under 15 years old).
- An estimated 1.7 million individuals worldwide acquired HIV in 2019, marking a 23% decline in new HIV infections since 2010.
- Did you know that having an undetectable viral load when you are taking HIV treatment (ART) also stops HIV transmission? See also u=u
Along with the help of three Medical professionals, all passionate about the care of HIV Intended Parents, we wanted to begin by sharing with everyone the current situation surrounding Fertility Treatment in the UK. As mentioned, one of TwoDads UK missions, listed on our website (www.TwoDadsUK.com ) is to campaign for equal fertility treatment of those living with HIV, that want to access Surrogacy in the UK as a way to build their family. As you will know, we have two children with the help of UK Surrogacy, and we’re passionate about supporting those achieve the same regardless of sexual orientation or their HIV status.
HIV positive Intended Parents are not allowed to access UK Surrogacy, based on the regulation and legislation outlaid by the HFEA, the UK Fertility Industry regulatory body. However, HIV positive heterosexual couples can access IVF through a licensed clinic, so why not Surrogacy? That’s because Surrogacy is classed as a Donation treatment, and under the HFEA Act 1990 those with HIV are not allowed to use their gametes (eggs, sperm or embryos) for surrogacy. So we want to work with those that also want to change this.
Check out our video to hear more as we chat to Dr Tristan Barber’s (Consultant in HIV Medicine, Ian Charleson Day Centre, Royal Free Hospital) and Dr Nicola Mackie (Consultant in HIV Medicine at St Mary’s Hospital part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust). We’re also spoke to regular guest and TwoDads Talk, Fertility expert and friend, Dr Carole Gilling-Smith, Medical Director from The Agora Fertility Clinic in Brighton.
Carole Gilling-Smith adds
‘I will always be extremely grateful to the Elton John Foundation as they provided the initial funding that allowed us to get the sperm washing project started at the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital in the late 90’s and this turned out to be the start of safe family building for those living with HIV in the UK at the time. Two decades on, there is another battle to be had on behalf of those living with HIV from the LGBTQ+ community, but I am confident we will win it.’
If you’d like to get involved or want to hear more contact Michael Johnson-Ellis from TwoDads UK by emailing michael@TwoDadsUK.com
Michael Johnson-Ellis
Michael Johnson-Ellis is Dad to Talulah and Duke, step Dad to Katie, and husband to Wes. Since having children Michael changed his career from a stressful city job, to being an award winning Surrogacy advocate, supporting those who are struggling to conceive or are from the LGBTQ community, and dream of parenthood. Michael blogs and documents his life as a parent via TwoDadsUK® on Facebook and Instagram. Michael and Wes are both founders of TwoDadsUK®(www.TwoDadsUK.com), The Modern Family Show 2021 (the only UK LGBTQ family building event, and the latest Surrogacy not for profit organisation My Surrogacy Journey®(www.mysurrogacyjourney.com). Michael also writes for IVF Babble, the world’s largest online fertility magazine and has recently established IVF Babble LGBT. Michael recently was awarded one of the twenty two Census purple plaques, recognising his work to the trying to conceive community. TwoDadsUK has collaborated with brands such as Cow & Gate Baby Club, Audi, Save The Children, Vodafone, Sainsburys, and appeared on TV such as BBC Breakfast, CBeebies and Channel 4 to name a few.
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