Miller Johnson Celebrates Michigan Family Protection Act
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 18, 2024 – Miller Johnson was proud to host a celebration of passing the Michigan Family Protection Act (MFPA) on Friday, June 7, 2024 at the firm’s Grand Rapids office.
Michigan Congresswoman and Bill Sponsor Samantha Steckloff, Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, Miller Johnson attorney Melissa Neckers, and Tammy and Jordan Myers, parents who have been at the center of the surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology (including IVF) discussions in recent years, all provided remarks. Michigan Congresswoman Christine Morse and Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Judge Honorable Namita Sharma were also in attendance along with numerous individuals and families affected by the complex legal issues surrounding assisted reproduction in Michigan. Miller Johnson attorneys Aimee Jachym and Chelsea Austin, who serve as public relations and marketing counsel to the Myers, were present and Austin served as emcee for the evening.
“This event was the culmination of more than eight years of fighting to overturn our State’s law. It was an honor to celebrate the many people who have been a part of this,” said Neckers, who represented the Myers throughout their legal battle to legally adopt their two children born via surrogate. “Michigan was one of the last states in the nation to legalize compensated surrogacy. Getting the opportunity to say thanks to the many people involved in this process was the purpose of this joyous gathering.”
“Tonight was an extraordinary event. My family’s journey through surrogacy was incredibly challenging, but dedicating myself to this cause has been the most incredible honor of my life,” said Tammy Myers. “I find closure in knowing that no other family will face the same trauma we endured. Celebrating this victory with those who made it possible was deeply moving.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the MFPA into law on April 1, 2024. The MFPA was a package of nine bills—Michigan House Bills 5207 through 5215 – which taken together, provide legal support and protection for families, surrogates and most importantly children born through assisted reproduction. The package repeals the ban that made compensated surrogacy criminal in Michigan and better protects surrogates, parents, and children so more Michiganders have the support they need to start a family.
To learn more about the Michigan Family Protection Act, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and gestational surrogacy, contact Melissa Neckers.
About Miller Johnson
Miller Johnson is a full-service firm providing legal counsel to businesses and individuals in corporate matters, employment and labor law, litigation, employee benefits, and private client representation including estate planning and family law. Since 1959, Miller Johnson has been Michigan-based and has served clients worldwide as Michigan’s Law Firm.
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