Episode 95: Our Daughter Is American, Too - Derek Mize & Jonathan Gregg

Derek Mize and Jonathan Gregg are a married couple that, like others, dreamed one day of becoming parents. When their daughter was born in 2018 by surrogacy in the United Kingdom they were overjoyed. Given that both dads are US citizens and legally recognized as their daughter’s parents, they never imagined that their baby daughter would be denied recognition as a US citizen, too. But she was! With the help of Immigration Equality, Lambda Legal, and pro bono counsel from Morgan Lewis, they brought suit against the US government in order for their family to remain intact and their daughter to receive the recognition of citizenship she was entitled to.

Listen to Derek and Jonathan as they discuss with Ellen and Jenn:
• How they met through their swim teams – love at first sight!
• How the topic of children came up.
• Their wedding night and one of Jonny’s friends offering to be their surrogate.
• Creating their embryos.
• Moving in with their surrogate during the pregnancy and the village that embraced their family.
• The birth of their beautiful baby girl.
• Trying to apply for citizenship for their daughter and the start of their legal dilemma.
• The ups and downs of the lawsuit process.
• Getting the amazing news that they won their case and their daughter received her rightful citizenship!
• An update on their family and their future.

Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903.
Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/
Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/
Learn more about Ellen’s law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/