Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer made history on Monday by signing the Michigan Family Protection Act, effectively decriminalizing paid surrogacy in the state.

With this move, Michigan becomes the last state in the United States to legalize paid surrogacy contracts, marking a significant step forward in protecting families who rely on surrogacy and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive children, CNN reports.

Governor Whitmer hailed the legislation as a "package of common sense" aimed at safeguarding families formed through IVF and ensuring equitable treatment for LGBTQ+ parents.

Surrogacy, the practice where one person carries a child for the intended parents, has become a crucial option for families facing infertility and same-sex couples seeking to have children.

Outdated laws in Michigan previously subjected individuals involved in paid surrogacy contracts to potential jail time and hefty fines.

Whitmer emphasized the importance of repealing these punitive measures, stating that the new bills are designed to protect surrogates, children, and parents while affirming the freedom to build families without undue political interference.

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Legal Protections for IVF

In addition to decriminalizing paid surrogacy, the Michigan Family Protection Act establishes legal protections for in vitro fertilization (IVF), The Hill noted.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer underscored that decisions regarding family planning should be left to families, their healthcare providers, and trusted loved ones rather than politicians.

The new law ensures that Michiganders have the necessary resources to make deeply personal choices about their reproductive futures.

The legislation also mandates medical screening for surrogates and provides them with compensation for their services.

Despite facing resistance from certain religious conservatives who claim that surrogacy commodifies childbirth, the Michigan law marks a substantial stride towards acknowledging the rights of both surrogates and intended parents.

Advocates and Critics Weigh In

Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion groups have voiced concerns about the legislation, contending that it could exploit vulnerable women and redefine the traditional family structure, according to The Detroit News.

However, proponents of the bills, including lead sponsor State Representative Samantha Steckloff, argue that legalizing surrogacy prevents underground arrangements that could jeopardize the rights of prospective parents and children.

Steckloff, a breast cancer survivor unable to conceive naturally due to chemotherapy, shared her personal story during committee hearings, highlighting the importance of access to fertility treatments for individuals facing medical challenges.

Stephanie Jones, founder of the Michigan Fertility Alliance and mother of two children born via gestational carrier, hailed the legislation as a victory for families across the state.

Jones emphasized that the new standards provide essential legal protections for children and ensure parental rights for families utilizing fertility treatments and surrogacy.

As Michigan leads the way in updating surrogacy laws, the legal and political debates surrounding reproductive rights continue to shape national discourse.

As the entire Michigan State House prepares for elections, Democrats are casting themselves as advocates for reproductive freedom, pledging to safeguard individuals' and families' rights to informed choices regarding their reproductive health.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer affirmed her commitment to defending these rights, emphasizing that efforts to undermine reproductive freedom will be met with staunch opposition.

As Michigan sets a precedent for progressive reproductive policies, the state stands at the forefront of ensuring equal access to family-building options for all its residents.

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Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Governor Whitmer signs Family Protection Act decriminalizing paid surrogacy - From WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7