Ep 2; What's coming up! Genetic counselling - why and what's involved?

Welcome back and Welcome to My Surrogacy Journey - The Podcast is the UK's leading multi award winning podcast from a non profit UK surrogacy organisation.

We're back this week talking all about Genetics and the importance of Genetic Counselling and why you may need it. It's a fascinating episode, hosted this week by Wes and two special guests Lizzie and Alyssa from Igenomix UK, who also support all our members as we supply genetic screening to CGT plus, which screens 450 genes for 550 conditions.

What are genetic diseases?

Genetic diseases are caused by mutations – changes to our genes. Mutations associated with recessive genetic disease can be present in DNA without affecting the individual – they are a carrier of the condition. 82% of individuals are carriers of at least one condition.

Michael and Wes are parents themselves through surrogacy to two children (Talulah is 7 and Duke is 4) they continue to advocate, campaign and strive to improve the landscape of surrogacy in the UK and globally. Addressing safety, exploitation and educating those about the real truths about safer surrogacy. 

Our season sponsor

We have a fabulous sponsor for our Season 3 podcast. Manchester Fertility were founded in 1985 and has an exceptional team of fertility doctors, nurses, embryologists and patient support staff. Manchester Fertility remains one of the leading fertility clinics in the country to this day, delivering more than 8,000 babies.

For intended parents seeking surrogacy support, Manchester Fertility is My Surrogacy Journey’s Northern & Midlands Centre for Excellence, offering surrogacy advice and fertility treatment options for gay, bi, queer and trans men and heterosexual singles and couples, helping them to navigate their way through their surrogacy journey. Make sure you check them out.

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Bios;

Lizzie

Lizzie is an experienced genetic counsellor with Igenomix UK, specialising in reproductive genetics services. Lizzie worked previously in the NHS, covering a broad range of cases including prenatal, cancer and general genetics. Prior to her career as a genetic counsellor, Lizzie undertook a degree in Biochemistry and Genetics at The University of Nottingham and then worked in Medical publishing as an Editor and Medical Writer, before undertaking an MSc in Genetic Counselling at Cardiff University. She lives in Cranleigh, Surrey, with her husband and two young children.

Alyssa

Alyssa is originally from Canada and studied Biology at McGill University in Montreal before obtaining her MSc in Human Genetics and Genetic Counselling from Stanford University in California, USA. She previously worked for the NHS in Oxford as a Principal Genetic Counsellor specialising in inherited heart conditions. She joined Igenomix UK in 2021 where she focuses on reproductive genetic services. In her spare time, Alyssa enjoys exploring the Cotswolds where she lives with her partner and two whippets.

Available wherever you get your podcasts. My Surrogacy Journey - The Podcast is a Talulah and The Duke Production and is recorded in London at Outset Studios

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