Recognizing Tammy Myers

Floor Speech

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Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tireless efforts of my constituent, Tammy Myers, whose commitment to ensuring fairness in Michigan's surrogacy laws has brought about meaningful change for families across our community and state.

Tammy Myers was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, which resulted in procedures that left her unable to have children. In 2021, she and her husband worked with a gestational carrier to have their twin son and daughter. They quickly found themselves facing an unimaginable challenge. Tammy was forced to adopt her own biological twins due to deeply unfair Michigan laws that failed to recognize her as the rightful parent of her children.

Fueled by her personal experience, Tammy became an outspoken advocate for reforming Michigan's antiquated surrogacy laws. Through her persistence and unwavering determination, Tammy helped bring attention to a loophole in state law that left parents like her in legal limbo, forcing many individuals to jump through hoops to be recognized as their biological children's parents.

Tammy's efforts were instrumental in the passage of the Michigan Family Protection Act, which provides legal support and protection for families who have children through surrogacy. Her advocacy shed light on the real-world implications of our outdated legal system and the need for reform as we continue to fight for reproductive freedom across our Nation.

On behalf of Michigan's Third Congressional District, I am proud to honor Tammy Myers for her advocacy and leadership. We thank her for her tireless work in fighting for her children--Eames, Ellison, and Corryn--and the hard-working Michiganders who now have access to the essential resources they need to start a family.

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