Family Source Consultants Celebrates Michigan Legislature Passing Landmark Fertility Health Care Act (House Bill 5207) to Legalize Surrogacy Arrangements
Under the provisions of House Bill 5207, individuals and couples in Michigan will now have the option to pursue gestational surrogacy as a path to build their families. The bill outlines comprehensive guidelines for surrogacy agreements, ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of both intended parents and surrogates are clearly defined and protected.
“Passage of the Fertility Health Care Act is long overdue, and Michigan will ultimately provide support and protection to individuals and families on their journey to parenthood,” said Staci SwiderskiCEO and Founder of Family Source Consultants.
The legalization of surrogacy in Michigan marks a significant milestone for the state, offering hope and opportunity to countless individuals and couples battling infertility or other family-building challenges. By providing a legal framework for surrogacy, the Fertility Health Care Act aims to promote fairness, transparency, and ethical practices within the surrogacy process.
“Every individual has the right to pursue their dreams of parenthood and have access to safe and regulated reproductive options. Additionally, selfless women in Michigan who hopes to help a deserving couple or individual will now have the ability to carry [for them] through a rewarding surrogacy journey,” added Staci Swiderski.
Andrew Vorzimer of Vorzimer Masserman Fertility & Family Law Center shared “Starting the path to parenthood can present a great deal of complexity, especially for those struggling with infertility or other barriers to family creation. Surrogacy, soon to be legally recognized in Michigan, offers a viable and fun alternative. The decriminalization of surrogacy contracts in MichiganThe last US state to do so, means a massive advance in reproductive rights. This development underscores our collective dedication to endorsing diverse approaches to family formation and recognizes the incredible women who have decided to help others through gestational surrogacy.”
Under the previous law, any expectant parent who wanted to use a surrogate to have children had to file for an adoption for that child – raising concerns about whether the adoption would go ahead for their biological that child.
Many parents, such as Tammy Myers, endured unnecessary stress and legal struggles for nearly two years trying to adopt her biological twins. On March 7he spoke before the Senate Committee with an urgent plea to pass the bills.
“Forced to navigate a maze of legal complexities, we found ourselves thrust down the painful path of adoption,” Myers told the Senate Committee. “As I stand before you, my heart is hopeful. The proposed legislation offers a glimmer of promise that no family in Michigan will again endure the suffering we faced.”
Myers’ struggles are extensively documented and opened the world’s eyes to the struggles parents face Michigan. Organizations want Resolve.Orgthird-party reproduction advocates, and other expectant parents spoke loudly about the need for change.
“Sometimes it just takes time to build the support that’s needed,” the State Senator said Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “We are extremely proud of the work that has been done and are eager to ensure that everyone is able to pursue that dream of starting a family if they choose.”
“I am honored to align myself with the Michigan Legislature, fertility advocates, and all the people who are working tirelessly to see this bill through to fruition. Michigan“said Vorzimer. “It behooves us to persevere in advocating for reproductive rights ensuring that the pursuit of parenthood remains an attainable dream for all.”
The Fertility Health Care Act (House Bill 5207) represents a collaborative effort by fertility advocates and marks a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to modernize its laws and support the diverse needs of its residents. But the work is not done. While the bill itself has passed the Senate Committee, it still needs to be written into law. It is expected to be summer 2024.
For more information about Family Source Consultants and their services, please visit www.familysourceconsultants.com.
For more information about Vorzimer Masserman and their services, please visit www.vmfirm.com/.
About Family Source Consultant: Family Source Consultant is a leading surrogacy and assisted reproductive agency dedicated to helping individuals and couples around the world realize their dreams of parenthood. With a strong focus on personalized care, exceptional support, and ethical practices, Family Source Consultants has built a reputation as a trusted partner in the surrogacy and assisted reproductive journey.
Media Contact
Cara MapleFamily Source Consultants, 1 815-421-9778, [email protected], www.familysourceconsultants.com
SOURCE Family Source Consultant