14/07/21 - Pregnancy and IVF PGD Webinar

The urge to have a baby is natural, and one that often comes with a few questions and anxieties. Perhaps more so when the parent has a genetic condition, especially an hereditary condition, that may well be passed down. This can complicate things, making the decision and planning process harder to navigate.

With an increased number of calls to our helpline recently on pregnancy and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, we feel strongly about empowering you with essential information so that you can make an informed decision and do what’s best for you.

We are therefore launching our first ever Webinar – Pregnancy and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) on 14 July 2021. See below for more info, tickets and booking details.

Details are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 14th July 2021

Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm

Tickets: £6 (Friends & non-members) £4 (Best Friends & Family Friends). See box below to book your place. 

Speakers: Audrey Dearing, Dr Anne Child and Elizabeth Maulkin

Additional Information: A video recording will be shared with everyone who has purchased tickets

In this Webinar you will learn: 

• Whether or not Marfan syndrome will affect your chances of conception 
• How PGD works and what does that mean for those affected by Marfan syndrome
• How you should work with the NHS before and during your pregnancy
• Real life examples of those who have been through PGD

Speakers:

Audrey Dearing
Genetic counsellor Audrey Dearing is an expert in PGD. She joined the PGD team at Guy's Hospital in 2019 having previously worked as a genetic counsellor at St George's Hospital, London.

Audrey completed her BSc in Genetics from University College Cork, Ireland in 2013, and graduated with distinction from the MSc in Genetic Counselling in Cardiff, Wales in 2015. She achieved registration with the Genetic Counselling Registration Board (GCRB) in 2018.

Dr Anne Child
Dr Anne Child MD FRCP is the Medical Director of the Marfan Trust and is a leading light in the diagnosis and treatment of Marfan syndrome and related disorders.

Dr Child is the author of over 150 peer reviewed articles and invited contributions. Her wide-ranging literature written for different specialties involved in the care of Marfan syndrome patients has been distributed throughout the UK, and indeed worldwide. This work has also been translated into most major international and European languages and is available through the chain of Marfan syndrome support groups (IFMSO) which Dr Child has helped to establish.

Dr Child has been working with the International Marfan Syndrome Consortium to encourage the use of PGD in Marfan syndrome families, so that they banish the gene in one generation, and never have to worry about it again. Among other pregnancy related issues, she will highlight the experiences of couples who have gone down the PGD route.

Elizabeth Maulkin
Elizabeth, a recent and successful recipient of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, will give rare and unique insight into her experience of the procedure. Lizzie chose PGD for her first child and can help you navigate the emotional and practical complexities. She has very generously offered to give her account of the process, and answer any questions you may have.