What a NYC Mayoral Arrest Teaches Us About Family Planning Resilience

Did you see the video of New York City mayoral candidate Brad Lander getting arrested? It’s a startling moment captured live: Brad Lander was escorting a defendant out of immigration court in Manhattan when masked ICE agents detained him. You can check out the full clip here: WATCH: Video shows New York City mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested at immigration court. This incident might seem unrelated to the deeply personal journey many of us face with fertility challenges, but stick with me—there’s a surprising connection that’s worth unpacking.⁣

Why talk about political arrests on a fertility blog? Because both moments — whether public or profoundly private — reveal something crucial about resilience, determination, and navigating unexpected hurdles. If you’re trying to conceive, especially through at-home insemination, you’ve likely faced moments when the path seemed uncertain or even unfair. Brad Lander’s experience reminds us that being taken off-guard isn’t the end of the story. You can adapt, fight back, and keep hope alive.

Take the uncertainty and frustration many face in fertility. Navigating doctor appointments, tests, hormone tracking, or even ordering the right insemination kit can feel overwhelming. Then add emotional lows when things don’t go according to plan. Like Lander, you might feel “detained” by circumstances beyond your control — the waiting, the setbacks, the misconceptions around fertility. But just as he continued standing up for justice, you can find ways to take control and empower your journey.

So, what can this teach us about your fertility experience? Here’s what I’ve learned:

  • Expect the unexpected. Just like an unexpected arrest, fertility challenges can surprise you when you least anticipate them. Preparation and a calm mindset go a long way.
  • Find your toolkit. Brad Lander had supporters and a cause driving him. You need tools and support systems too — and that’s where at-home insemination kits, like those offered by MakeAMom, come in. They give you confidence and control in the comfort of your own space, backed by a strong success rate (67% according to their data).
  • Privacy matters. The way Lander’s situation was publicized contrasts with how MakeAMom carefully packages their kits — no identifying info, just a discreet, respectful process. Because your journey deserves dignity and confidentiality.

For those dealing with sensitive conditions like vaginismus or challenges with sperm motility, MakeAMom’s specialized kits — the BabyMaker and the Impregnator — offer thoughtful, reusable options to make insemination less intimidating and more effective. It’s not just about the product; it’s about feeling empowered and cared for every step of the way. Learn more about their tailored support for male fertility with their fertility booster for men that complements the insemination process.

It’s easy to feel isolated when fertility feels like a rollercoaster ride, but stories like Lander’s show us the power of perseverance and community. Whether your struggle is medical, emotional, or even logistical, remember: setbacks don’t define you. How you respond to them does.

Before we wrap up — here’s a quick personal challenge:

Think of one unexpected hurdle you faced in your fertility journey. How did you overcome it? Or, if you haven’t yet, what’s one small step you can take today to regain control? Share your story below. You might just inspire someone else to keep going too.

In the end, resilience is the secret ingredient. And with resources like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits, you can reclaim your story, build confidence, and maybe even find some joy amid the chaos. Because family planning isn’t just about biology — it’s about heart, hope, and a refusal to give up.

Remember, you’re not alone — and sometimes, the most surprising moments teach us the strength we never knew we had.