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Michigan Mom Who Was Forced to Adopt Her Own Biological Twins Celebrates as New Surrogacy Law Takes Effect
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For Tammy Myers, April 2 was more than just another rainy morning—it was the day she could finally breathe freely.
The Michigan Family Protection Act, signed into law in 2024, officially went into effect this week, bringing long-awaited relief to families like hers. The act ensures the legalization and regulation of surrogacy, streamlines parental recognition, and protects parents, surrogates, and children.
For Tammy and her husband, Jordan Myers, this moment was deeply personal. When their twins, Eames and Ellison, were born in 2021, Michigan’s outdated surrogacy laws forced them to adopt their own biological children—a painful, yearslong legal process that should never have been necessary.
A Fight for Change
Tammy, 43, dedicated years to advocating for change, and on Wednesday, she received a celebratory call from Sen. Winnie Brinks marking the law’s long-awaited implementation.
“It means the world to know that no family will have to go through what we did,” Tammy tells PEOPLE. “This change brings so much peace, dignity, and protection to families like mine.”
Reflecting on the emotional journey, Tammy says she still finds it hard to believe. “It just brings me to tears.”
According to Melissa Neckers, the Myers family’s lawyer and close friend, the new law would have prevented their legal struggle entirely. “If this law had been in place when Tammy and Jordan’s twins were born, they would have been able to obtain an order prior to birth,” Neckers explains. “Instead of dealing with unnecessary legal uncertainty, they could have simply enjoyed the amazing blessing of their babies.”
A Family’s Journey
Tammy and Jordan, both in their 40s, first made headlines for their heartbreaking story when they had to fight in court for nearly two years to adopt their own children.
Their eldest daughter, Corryn, now 12, has been part of their journey from the beginning. As a toddler, she watched her mother battle breast cancer, a diagnosis that led Tammy to turn to surrogacy to expand their family.
“It’s been really special to bring her alongside me and show her that her voice matters,” Tammy shares.
Meanwhile, Eames and Ellison, now 4, are thriving in preschool. The family has recently begun sharing details with them about their unique birth story.
“We’ve told them they did not grow in mommy’s belly,” Tammy says, adding that their surrogate—who remains a cherished part of their lives—is now their godmother.
A Landmark Victory for Michigan Families
Rep. Stephanie Steckloff, the bill’s sponsor and a fellow breast cancer survivor, calls this law a game-changer for families.
“Today, we moved Michigan from one of the most hostile states for non-traditional families to what I believe is now the nation’s flagship legal model,” Steckloff tells PEOPLE.
For Tammy, this is only the beginning. She remains committed to advocacy, raising awareness and funds for fertility treatments for cancer survivors and pushing for further legislative change.
“This is about making sure no other family has to endure what we did,” she says.
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