Episode 209 : Michigan Triumph, Elusive Mommyhood, and State Strong – Stephanie Jones and Ginanne Brownell

Stephanie Jones is the Founder of the Michigan Fertility Alliance and Co-Founder of State Strong.

After experiencing secondary infertility due to life-threatening pregnancy complications, Stephanie Jones and her husband were stunned to learn that Michigan banned surrogacy contracts—their only option to grow their family. Stephanie channeled her business expertise and personal perseverance into founding the Michigan Fertility Alliance and changing Michigan’s surrogacy and parentage laws. Under her leadership, MFA is driving pro-family advocacy and policy reform to support Michiganders who need assisted reproduction or surrogacy to build their families.

In 2024, Stephanie received the RESOLVE Hope Award for Advocacy in recognition of her impactful work. She also shared her personal story of reproductive health and abortion to support the successful election of Senator Slotkin to the U.S. Senate.

Ginanne Brownell is an award-winning writer and journalist. Raised in Michigan and based in London, she has covered stories on six continents and in over forty-five countries. Her work has been published in outlets including New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Washington Post, Foreign Policy, and Scientific American. She has worked on staff for CNN, Newsweek, and UNICEF. Ginanne is the author of two books: "Elusive Mommyhood: An investigative reporter’s personal journey into IVF and surrogacy" and "Ghetto Classics: How a Youth Orchestra Changed a Nairobi Slum." She has a BA in history from Albion College and a MA in history from the London School of Economics.

Listen as Stephanie and Ginanne share with Ellen and Jenn:

• Stephanie’s journey with secondary infertility leading her to surrogacy and the shocking discovery, from her hospital bed, of Michigan’s terrible laws -- check out Episode 74 for more!
• When Stephanie’s ability to carry her own child died, Michigan Fertility Alliance was born. 
• Your humble podcast hosts connecting Stephanie and Ginanne, both Flint, Michiganders.
• In parallel, Ginanne struggling with infertility and being advised to turn to surrogacy. She had hoped her kids could be born in her home state of Michigan -- hear more of Ginanne’s story on Episode 108!
• Writing a book on her journey and extensive research. 
• A little history, including the fun fact that the first birth of a child through gestational surrogacy was in Michigan!
• Organizing two advocacy days, with over 100 advocates meeting with more than 50 legislators. 
• Building a strong coalition of leaders and experts to put together what ultimately was a nine bill package to comprehensively and inclusively change the parentage laws in Michigan for everyone.
• The bills were officially signed April 1, 2024 -- a historic date for multiple reasons.
• Taking their advocacy efforts to the next level with the formation of State Strong. 

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: [phone].

Learn more about State Strong: https://www.statestrong.org/

Buy Elusive Mommyhood: An investigative reporter’s personal journey into IVF and surrogacy: https://ginannebrownell.com/elusive-mommyhood/

Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ 

Learn more about our surrogacy agency: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ 

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