A fantastic 47th birthday in Mexico

It was an absolute honour and a privilege to celebrate my 47th birthday with so many doctors, embryologists and professors in Tulum, Mexico.

My birthday celebrations formed part of the 61st Congress of the Mexican Association of Reproductive Medicine. Executive President Dr Martha Luna Rojas and her team put on an amazing event in the beautiful coastal resort.

A special edition of my biography was produced for the event with all those attending receiving a copy – I don’t know how many times I had my picture taken in a whirlwind of meeting and greeting people from countries all over the world.

I was able to give a keynote speech honouring the pioneers of IVF, Patrick Steptoe, Bob Edwards, Jean Purdy and my mum and dad. It was an emotional moment as I thought of how my parents would react to know how the science has developed to help so many people across the world since my birth.

I was interviewed on stage by Mexican television presenter Paola Rojas, where we talked about the “More Joy” campaign of the International Federation of Fertility Societies, which is raising awareness of the falling birth rates around the world.

Of course, being my birthday, there was cake and dancing and celebrations and it was good to hear how much my birth means to so many people all over the world.

The Mexican Association of Reproductive Medicine was founded in 1949. It is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote scientific research in human reproductive medicine, study its problems, and disseminate the knowledge obtained in these areas, utilizing knowledge and practices from the medical, biological, social, and other related sciences.

It promotes scientific exchange among its members. It will encourage research and the organisation of courses for physicians and related graduate professionals, as well as the creation of specialised clinics by fostering relationships with related foreign physicians and societies.

As well as all the events at the Congress I was able to take a day to visit the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza – one of the modern seven wonders of the world - and swim underground in a cenote. Another wonderful experience.