Our History

*a little wish * ‘Protecting fertility’

 

In 2000 a support group for post pregnancy hysterectomy began via word of mouth and e-mails with mainly telephone support.  As Anna's account was placed on websites around the world other victims came forward and people were also supported via e-mail and instant messengers (even at 3am!  This is very important as often the nights can be the longest and loneliest of places).

 

In 2002 a website and e-mail list developed with women and families sharing experiences of post pregnancy hysterectomy. Over the years many people have come forward and a more formal support group has developed. One of the consequences of a post pregnancy hysterectomy is loss of fertility and being unable to carry our own children.

 

Now with a name and a location we began research into post pregnancy hysterectomy, collecting information from the NHS and RCOG and we also started collecting the statistics of post pregnancy hysterectomy occurrence. We discovered that even though legally accessible via the freedom of information, the reality was very different.

 

We also tried to obtain the assistance of the media to raise the issue of post pregnancy hysterectomy to allow others to make informed decisions, however we were unsuccessful.

 

One of the consequences of a post pregnancy hysterectomy is infertility and many of our group were trying different ways to overcome this.

 

In 2006 members of our group discovered a problem with the law surrounding Embryos and surrogacy and went public about this discrimination.  Michelle and her family were with an established surrogacy group at the time and were not given the help and support they felt they needed and should have been provided with, especially as they were long standing members of the group.

 

 

*a little wish * ‘Sharing Fertility’ grew from the need for a support group for surrogacy and a way to meet intended parents / surrogate mothers. (Our first two surrogacy babies arrived in 2007!). Many had tried alternative paths but unfortunately had encountered negative experiences.

 

*a little wish * ‘Sharing Fertility’ went public in 2008 with the announcement of our first 2 surrogacy babies arriving.

 

As many in *a little wish* have endured tragedy and trauma in different ways, both by nature and man, many feel we have a better empathetic view of infertility and are more compassionate, welcoming, open and supportive.  Mixed with the experiences gathered by many others this makes *a little wish* uniquely placed in the area.