Takia and Jo live in Baltimore and have been together for over two years. They had a commitment ceremony in June and are raising two children, a twelve-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son.
As an employee of the State of Maryland, Jo cannot enroll Takia or the children in the state health plan. The lack of insurance benefits has taken a toll on the family in the past. Treatment for their son's asthma and a 2003 emergency gallbladder operation for Jo both caused tremendous stress that could have been reduced by the benefits that come with marriage.
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