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Children Here: Adopted, Step, Mixed Ethnicities, Same Sex, IVF, Migrant, Single ... IVF

FEM

Key Facts:

Assisted fertility, IVF, Surrogacy

Children Here: Adopted, Step, Mixed Ethnicities, Same Sex, IVF, Migrant, Single … IVF

 

From adoption and IVF to surrogacy, single parenting, same-sex couples, blended families, and everything in between, families are complex. Children become part of their unique family in their way.

Since 1978, when Louise Brown was born through assisted fertility in UK, it was a miracle. It was a way forward, offering hope to the many families who couldn't have a baby.

‘Every child is a miracle in Susanne Gervay’s truly glorious Guess How I Was Born, a book of joy, wonder and science, and endless love as well.’ Jackie French AM Australian Laureate.

Assisted fertility IVF and surrogacy are difficult.  IVF addresses multifaceted areas that can include low sperm count, health conditions such as poly cystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, problems with fallopian tubes and many conditions that interfere with successful pregnancy. Today there is a dramatic growth in IVF and also surrogacy.

‘The number of Australians using surrogacy to form a family is increasing. It is hard to know the exact number of surrogate births each year, but it has been reported that in 2020 about 76 children were born through domestic surrogacy (around 20 per cent of surrogacies) and 275 children were born through overseas surrogacy (around 80 per cent of surrogacies). In 2023-24, the number of children born through surrogacy overseas is estimated to be 361 children. Gestational surrogacy, which requires assisted reproductive technology, is the most common type of surrogacy used.’ Australian Law Commission (ALRC).

ALRC is of the view that Australia’s existing surrogacy regulatory regime does not adequately meet its policy intent and is confusing, restrictive and not fit for purpose. The fact that most Australians choose to access surrogacy overseas, where there are more surrogates available and processes that are easier to navigate, points to the regime’s ineffectiveness.

Today, many children are born through IVF. Susanne Gervay OAM a specialist in child growth and development and children’s author wrote Guess How I Was Born to relate to children and adults, in her personal story of families. Illustrated by Carolyn Daly who captures the diversity of our families.

Told through eyes of Violet Rose, a young child curious about her beginnings, this colourful and inclusive picture book celebrates the many ways children come into the world – through IVF, surrogacy, adoption, LGBTQ+ families, solo parents, step-parenting and more. What makes this book uniquely touching is its real-life origin. Violet Rose is based on Susanne’s granddaughter, born via surrogacy in the United Stated after Susanne’s daughter Tory, battled stage 4 kidney failure. Together, Tory overcame six failed IVF attempts, two successful IVF trans-Pacific surrogacy processes, to welcome Violet Rose into their multi-generational grandmother, daughter and baby into their life.

‘Guess How I Was Born? Is about, love, honesty, and family in all its forms. It’s for every child who’s ever asked the question. And every parent who’s ever tried to answer it with heart.’ Gervay says.

The book has already garnered praise from early childhood educators and librarians as a valuable classroom and bedtime resource that helps children understand different family dynamics in an age-appropriate and affirming way. Guess How I Was Born is aimed at children published by Larrikin House. It may be particularly useful for centres looking to extend conversations and everyday programming where belonging, identity, and family are explored.

For more information, educators can refer to the publisher’s website or explore availability through Simon & Schuster AU.

For interest. Louise Brown with the first IVF baby was born 25^th July. Violet Rose with  Grandma and mother was born 25^th July too.

 

Media Contacts

Abigail Cini – [email protected];0425 282 695

Susanne – [email protected]; 0413 050 922

ISBN 9781923 345 102

About us:

LarrikinHouse publishes books that engage young people and families

Contact details:

Media Contacts

Abigail Cini – [email protected];

0425 282 695

Susanne – [email protected]; 0413 050 922