A public discussion on surrogacy, particularly relevant for rainbow families, is set to take place in Oosterhout on October 2nd. The event, titled "Praat niet over ons, maar met ons" (Don't talk about us, but with us), coincides with the Dutch Second Chamber's work on new legislation that will directly shape the future of parenthood through surrogacy for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
The event will feature the presentation of the book Mijn kind, hun kind, ons kind (My child, their child, our child) by author Pauline van Berkel. The book details her personal experience as a traditional surrogate for a male same-sex couple. Van Berkel, who has been a surrogate twice for male couples, is also the founder of the foundation Stichting Zwanger voor een Ander (Pregnant for Another) and brings a crucial first-hand perspective to the conversation.
The discussion aims to move beyond theoretical debates by centering the voices of those directly involved. Joining Van Berkel will be a panel of experts offering legal and academic insights:
- Wilma Eusman, a former lawyer and member of the State Commission on the Reassessment of Parenthood, will provide a legal perspective on the proposed legislative changes.
- Prof. Dr. Henny Bos, a professor at the University of Amsterdam specializing in Sexual and Gender Diversity in Families and Youth, will share insights from her extensive research into rainbow families.
The conversation will be moderated by Sjors Veenendaal, a fertility counselor and founder of Studio Kinderwens.
This event offers a timely platform for the community to engage with the complex issues surrounding surrogacy as lawmakers consider new regulations. The discussion will explore the personal, legal, and social dimensions of building a family in this way, offering valuable context for anyone considering this path to parenthood or interested in the legal rights of rainbow families in the Netherlands.
Event Details
What: Public discussion and book presentation on surrogacy
Date: Friday, 2 October 2026
Location: De Cultuurmakerij, Oosterhout, Noord-Brabant
Tickets: Admission is free. Tickets can be requested via the author's website.
Website: paulinevanberkel.nl
Pauline van Berkel's book, Mijn kind, hun kind, ons kind, was published on June 10, 2026, and is available for €23.00.
