The SCI team were privileged to be a part of the first Surrogacy Australia Conference in Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Shivani was one of the first key note presenters; greeted to the podium with a rock star style welcome with much cheering and whooping by those attending the conference.
( Thanks to Lucylu who took this photo)
It was wonderful to meet so many SCI families and those considering and commencing their journey with SCI. Meg & Margarida assisted Dr. Shivani and as a consequence both have no voice left, but many in our SCI family were happy to put faces to names. Dr. Shivani took pride in the number of SCI babies at the creche and the number of families willing to share their stories & experiences with SCI with others.
And for those curious about the rest of the world:
( Thanks to Lucylu who took this photo)
It was wonderful to meet so many SCI families and those considering and commencing their journey with SCI. Meg & Margarida assisted Dr. Shivani and as a consequence both have no voice left, but many in our SCI family were happy to put faces to names. Dr. Shivani took pride in the number of SCI babies at the creche and the number of families willing to share their stories & experiences with SCI with others.
Wonderful news for India with Australia being the preferred destination for surrogacy:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/india-the-preferred-choice-for-surrogacy/story-fn7x8me2-1226367430461 and SCI being the preferred choice for Australians ( Surrogacy Australia Survey, 2012); with these Stats presented by Dr. Shivani supporting the outcome of the independent survey.SCI Australian Babies
Babies born in 2010 = 24
Babies born in 2011 = 79
Total Babies born in 2012 = 121 ( 24 born & aprox 97 expected)
Australian babies = 224
And for those curious about the rest of the world:
SCI Babies
Babies born in 2010 = 79
Babies born in 2011 = 152
Total Babies born in 2012 = 266 ( 56 born & aprox 210 expected)
SCI babies = 497
Further information on the conference presentation, including some wonderful videos will be shared in the coming days.
There is no doubt that the highlight of the conference was the dinner organised by grateful SCI parents, which blossomed to over 50 adults and many many babies & toddlers, all eager to see Dr. Shivani once again.
Dr. Shivani took great delight in reminding us all that she was the first to hold our babies when they were 2-3 day old embryos, delighted by how they had all grown. With much cuddling, cooing, reviewing of photos and telling of stories, a great time was had by all.
