Sammi Gerken, an early childhood educator, became a surrogate in late 2022 and found the experience rewarding. Fascinated by birth since childhood, Gerken decided to help a couple struggling with infertility after having her own child in 2021. She went through medical procedures to sustain the pregnancy but is glad she did it.
Gerken maintains a close relationship with the receiving family even after the baby’s birth, highlighting the emotional connection surrogacy creates. However, efforts like Project 2025 aim to impose bans on abortion, contraceptives, IVF, and surrogacy, sparking outrage. The plan seeks to limit reproductive autonomy, raising concerns about outsiders deciding how families are built.
Furthermore, Project 2025 proposes a policy agenda for a GOP presidency and plans to create a database of conservative personnel. The initiative faces opposition from reproductive rights advocates like Robyn M. Powell, who sees it as a threat to disabled individuals and reproductive health.
Despite challenges, activists like Merle Hoffman aim to fight back against Project 2025 and preserve abortion access. The newly formed Abortion Access Now coalition plans to ensure reproductive healthcare remains legal, accessible, and stigma-free in the future.