New Michigan law is a ray of sunlight amidst Trump’s attacks on reproductive rights

For nearly 40 years, a state law outlawed Michigan families from expanding their families through surrogacy—until now.  

Despite calling himself the “fertilization president,” President Donald Trump has continued his recent attacks on reproductive health by cutting Center for Disease Control and Prevention staff who were responsible for tracking the safety, cost, and outcomes of the nation’s fertility clinics. 

The “recent restructuring,” according to an official from the Department of Health and Human Services, is part of “ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of federal health programs.” 

The idea of cutting crucial staff in the name of efficiency doesn’t sit well with some Michiganders, such as Ginanne Brownell, an investigative journalist who has spent the last few years fighting to ensure reproductive freedom is enshrined in the constitution of the Great Lakes State. 

“I think everything that the Trump administration does when it comes to reproductive health and reproductive rights is all like a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” said Brownell, who wrote about her own unexplained fertility diagnosis and surrogacy journey in 2018.

That’s why Brownell is thankful that, after years of advocacy work as the communications and research director for reproductive rights group the Michigan Fertility Alliance, her home state finally has laws in place that make it easier for Michiganders to start a family through assisted reproduction, like in vitro fertilization (otherwise known as IVF).

After being signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in April 2024, the Michigan Family Protection Act (MFPA) established clear, legal protections and connections between parents and their children who are born through assisted reproduction, like IVF and surrogacy. 

“Decisions about if, when, and how to have a child should be left to a family, their doctor, and those they love and trust, not politicians,” said Gov. Whitmer in a press release.

“If we want more people and families to ‘make it’ in Michigan, we need to support them with the resources they need to make these deeply personal, life-changing choices.”

The MFPA also reversed the state’s antiquated 1988 Surrogate Parenting Act, which has outlawed compensated surrogacy for nearly 40 years, until the MFPA went into effect earlier this month. 

Brownell says that the MFPA isn’t just a surrogacy bill. The nine-bill package also changes the state’s parentage laws by securing a legal tie between all Michigan children and parents. 

“It gives them a sense of security. Now, when that child leaves the hospital, they will know legally that both of their parents are on their birth certificate,” explained Brownell.

“Considering there’s a lot of concern in the fertility health care space right now, not only in Michigan, but across the US, the MFPA is like a little sunlight.”

“It’s just a really positive thing for people who want to grow their families.” 

Related: A Ferndale woman used IVF to have a family—and to help others in Michigan have kids, too