Focused on the needs of same-sex couple parenting and the consequent journey

December 11, 2006

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....and baby makes three

With the legalization of same-sex partnerships, irrelevant if you decide on a Civil Union or Marriage, a lot of couples will be looking at the next step: building a family. It is a natural ripple effect of "marriage". Children are not for all couples or single people, but there must be a "safe" place for the gay/lesbian community to find out more about parenting and the various options available to have children. A place we can feel at home to ask questions without feeling judged or uncomfortable.

About Baby-ventures' website:
Through the maze of Internet searches, it became clear that there is a strong need for information relevant to same-sex parenting, conceiving and all the legalities that fall under this scope. The website is not written by medical professionals, but by individuals who recognised the need for information on this subject. Acting as missionaries and to provide its visitors with guidelines.

Baby-ventures is a product of passion. To understand Baby-ventures, you have to understand the people behind it.

The Baby-ventures Project Team consisted out of a group of Social Workers, Legal Experts, Surrogate Experts, Journalist, Religious Expert and obviously, people that either walked the journey of parenthood or are about to take their first step. The result was a website, unique to any other. It is a website intended to provide its visitors with information and guidance to reach heights you thought unreachable and bring you closer to your dream of having a family of your own.

What to expect from this website:
The Baby-ventures menu provides you with a full scope of information. Attempting to answer most of its visitor's questions. And if they are not answered, you post your question to the experts. A quick preview on what you will find on the website:

Donor Selection: This menu is filled with information on donor anonymity issues, screening processes of donors, international options and many more

ART Procedures: Covers information on artificial information, invitro-fertilisation, cost involved and many more.

Adoption information: Social worker screening, trans-racial/cultural adoption etc

Large Legal section: Your legal rights

Surrogacy information: Types of Surrogacy, the do's/don'ts regarding surrogacy and surrogacy contracts

Child readiness, lifestyle and psychological issues you may face

Contact details/web links and many more.

But let's not spoil your fun and give out too much information. Visit the website and see for yourself.

Ways to get involved:
There are various ways to get involved in the Baby-ventures website. Visit the website or contact the editor.

A word or two from the editor of Baby-ventures
Lisa Sonnekus: "During our journey to conceive our child, we came across many hurdles. To put it bluntly – there was just no information available focused on same-sex couples. Due to the journey we had to take on ourselves, I came in contact with many people. Some of them not so nice. Others I will carry in my heart every time I look at my son. But the greatest inspiration to create this website came from my partner. An individual who, from the moment we met, completed my life and destiny. A soul mate to add colour to my dreams and fill the voids in my soul. They call it "reaching a full circle. With Baby-ventures we will attempt to help others, reach their "full circle" in life."
We decided to give back to a community close to our hearts. So visit us and make yourself at home and please share your story with us. – Issued by Baby-ventures