logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2022
26m 30s

The man who had a baby

Bbc World Service
About this episode

A few years ago, Freddy McConnell decided to have a baby. A decision that is a big deal for most, but that is even more complicated for Freddy, because he is trans. Freddy started his transition in 2012. Back then having a baby wasn’t on his mind. But after realising that – biologically – it was still a possibility, Freddy decided to get pregnant.

Emily Webb first spoke to Freddy in 2019, and since then he has had a second child.

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Presenter: Emily Webb Producer: Saskia Edwards

(Photo: Freddy McConnell standing on a beach. He is pregnant. Credit: Mark Bushnell)

Up next
Apr 2022
The astronaut who made a quilt in Space
Dr Karen Nyberg has many talents. She's an engineer and astronaut, but she's also an avid quilter, so when she joined the International Space Station in 2013, she took her sewing kit with her. She created a nine-inch, star-themed quilt square in orbit which inspired over two thou ... Show More
23m 54s
Apr 2022
The drag queen who ran for president of the United States
In the 1990s Terence Smith launched his campaign to run for United States president in drag, shocking voters and the media. His mission was not to win, but instead, to raise awareness about the Aids crisis which was killing his community. Critical of the government's slow respons ... Show More
29m 8s
Apr 2022
Drawing is my language: the artist who recreates cities from memory
Stephen Wiltshire was born in London in 1974, and diagnosed with autism when he was three. Mute until he was five, he was sent to a specialist school where his teachers soon noticed his prodigious talent for drawing. His passion was buildings - the more complicated, the better - ... Show More
24m 58s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2020
Choosing The One
Freddy meets Louie and Ellie, a transgender man and a cis woman, who are trying to start a family. But navigating fertility treatment as a queer couple isn’t always easy. And then there's the tricky business of choosing a sperm donor…which for Louie and Ellie can only mean one th ... Show More
22m 43s
Jul 2020
Ginger Beer
So, you’re queer and your kids are here. No matter how you became a parent, at this point, it can feel like the hardest, scariest work is really just beginning.Freddy’s child is two years old. For now, life is all play. But Freddy is already mentally preparing for him going to sc ... Show More
19m 39s
Sep 2022
Freddy McConnell
Giovanna's guest on this episode is writer and journalist, Freddy McConnell. Freddy is a queer transgender man and solo dad of two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 
1h 1m
Mar 2022
Shropshire Maternity Scandal
A review into the maternity practices at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust by senior midwife, Donna Ockenden, has found that catastrophic failures may have led to the deaths of more than 200 babies, nine mothers and left other infants with life-changing injuries. Adam discusses th ... Show More
32m 13s
Jan 2024
Scott's Twin Baby Journey Pt. 1 - Trying for a baby
For the very first time, we reveal all of the fascinating details behind Scott’s twin baby journey in a dedicated 3-part series. Half a million dollars and 6 years later, Scott and his husband Marcus rode the emotional highs and the gruelling lows of securing a willing egg donor ... Show More
29m 41s
Jan 2024
Scott's Twin Baby Journey Pt. 3 - Scott's surrogate
For the very first time, we reveal all of the fascinating details behind Scott’s twin baby journey in a dedicated 3-part series. Half a million dollars and 6 years later, Scott and his husband Marcus rode the emotional highs and the gruelling lows of securing a willing egg donor ... Show More
29m 19s
Jul 2023
IMPORTANT! What You Should Know Before Seeing The Barbie Movie...
A few things you should know before spending your money on the new Barbie movie. Plus, Is Margot Robbie really "mid"? As usual, I have an unpopular opinion. Also, an 18 year old mom from Miami allegedly used a fake hitman website in an attempt to kill off her 3-year-old son. Wait ... Show More
27m 53s
May 2024
‘Shockingly poor’: What needs to change in maternity care?
A landmark parliamentary inquiry into traumatic childbirths has called for an overhaul of the UK's maternity services after finding poor care is "all-too-frequently tolerated as normal".   The report calls for a new maternity commissioner who will report to the prime minister, be ... Show More
15m 45s
Apr 2023
"I don't want to die trying to have a baby."
Today, we look at how vague language in antiabortion laws has disrupted the standard of care for a pregnancy complication called PPROM. Read more: Anya Cook wants a baby more than anything. She and her husband, Derick, live in Florida. They experienced a long line of miscarriages ... Show More
34m 32s
Jul 2019
Fred Savage
Fred Savage (The Wonder Years, The Princess Bride, The Grinder) is an American actor, director and producer. Fred sits down with the Armchair Expert to discuss being a child in the public eye and his singular goal of finding the emotional underpinning in all projects. Dax wonders ... Show More
1h 6m