Governor Signs SB 729, A Victory for Reproductive Justice in California
SACRAMENTO - Today, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 729, authored by Senator Caroline Menjivar (D- San Fernando Valley). This law addresses an often overlooked aspect of reproductive justice, expanding equitable access to fertility care, including in vitro fertilization.
“Today is a personal and emotional victory. And, it is a triumph for the many Californians who have been denied a path towards family-building because of the financial barriers that come with fertility treatment, their relationship status, or are blatantly discriminated against as a member of the LGBTQ+ community,” states Senator Caroline Menjivar. “When attacks on reproductive rights are occurring across the nation, Governor Newsom stood on the right side of history by expanding coverage for approximately 9 million Californians, including LGBTQ+ folks who were previously withheld equal opportunity to become parents under an archaic law that erased their rights. California no longer has to fall behind the 14 other states already mandating similar coverage. Infertility and IVF coverage in large group health plans, combined with our unwavering stance on contraception and abortion rights, solidifies California as the nation’s leader in reproductive freedom. Thank you to the bill cosponsors, vast coalition of supporters, and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks for blazing the path to this historic law and giving millions of cancer survivors, unpartnered people, professional women, LGBTQ+ folks, and those lacking the financial means to pay out of pocket, access to building the family they dream of creating.”
SB 729 mandates large group health plan coverage for fertility care, and revises the outdated 1975 Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act. This bill ends the exclusion of IVF coverage, along with discrimination against LGBTQ+ folks by aligning the definition of infertility with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Cosponsors of SB 729 are also celebrating this monumental achievement.
“With increasing attacks on reproductive freedom and IVF across the country, we are immensely grateful to Governor Newsom for once again demonstrating that California is committed to ensuring that all people have the freedom to make personal decisions about their reproductive lives and futures,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “With Governor Newsom’s signature, an estimated 10 million Californians will now have access to the full spectrum of fertility and infertility services, including IVF, and be given the opportunity of becoming a parent regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status. This tremendous achievement would not have been possible without the leadership of Senator Menjivar, and we extend our enormous gratitude to her for never backing down in the fight for equitable access to reproductive health care for LGBTQ+ and all Californians.”
“We are celebrating a victory for all Californians who deserve equitable access to reproductive care. With Governor Newsom’s signature, we are taking a powerful stand in support of family-building options, including fertility treatments like IVF, for millions of Californians,” said California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “This action reinforces California's leadership in protecting reproductive rights and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to build the family they dream of. I am grateful to the Governor and the legislature for taking this important step towards a more inclusive and just healthcare system.”
“The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is thrilled that Governor Newsom signed SB 729 into law. SB 729 expands the definition of infertility to include same-sex couples and single Californians, providing IVF coverage for those relying on this technology to build their families. We thank Governor Newsom, bill author Senator Caroline Menjivar, bill champion ASM Buffy Wicks, and the Equality coalition for recognizing this vital moment and bringing California to the forefront of IVF coverage. Now we look forward to their neighbors in Oregon and Washington following their leadership and bringing equitable, accessible fertility coverage to their states.” - Dr. Paula Amato, President, ASRM
“We are so grateful to Governor Newsom for signing SB 729 and making access to fertility care more equitable and affordable for Californians. This will bring hope to countless families by ensuring parenthood is within reach for everyone, regardless of how much money they make. But our work doesn't end here—we’ll keep fighting to expand access to reproductive health care, including fertility care, until every Californian can get the care they want and need. We are grateful to our champions in the state legislature who brought this bill to Gov. Newsom’s desk, and to the Governor for signing it.” - Reproductive Freedom for All, Director of State Campaigns Caroline Mello Roberson
“RESOLVE is thrilled for Californians who now have a chance at accessing needed medical care to grow their family. What Governor Newsom showed with his signature is what America supports—86% of people surveyed support IVF access. Greater access to family building care is now a reality in California and this action sends a powerful message to lawmakers across the country.” – Barb Collura, President and CEO, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
“Access to reproductive care, including infertility treatment and IVF, is under attack across the country. Legislators in various states are advancing "personhood" bills. More than 40 of those bills, introduced at the state level since the Dobbs decision, directly impact access to IVF. SB 729 will ensure that Californians can continue to access fertility treatments without fear of legal repercussions or service interruptions.” -Dr. Mahima Iyengar, Resident Physician Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Secretary/Treasurer CIR/SEIU
“On behalf of the cancer patients we serve, the Alliance for Fertility Preservation is very grateful to Governor Newsom for signing SB 729 into law. This coverage is essential for so many cancer survivors who were able to store their eggs and sperm thanks to SB 600 and who now need IVF to realize their family-building goals. We also acknowledge Senator Menjivar’s unflagging commitment to all Californians who need, and deserve, expanded access to reproductive services to attain parenthood.” -Joyce Reinecke, Executive Director, Alliance for Fertility Preservation
"We are very pleased to learn that Governor Newsom has taken the first step in making California more inclusive for LGBTQ Families. It has been a long two years, but well worth the wait, thank you Senator Menjivar for leading the way!" - Mimi Demissew, Executive Director of Our Family Coalition
Infertility affects 1 in 6 people globally, according to the World Health Organization. Yet, under existing California law, insurers are only required to offer coverage for infertility treatment. Even this provision excludes IVF, one of the most effective treatments available. With the cost of a single IVF cycle ranging between $15,000 and $20,000, the price is insurmountable for many.
California currently ensures coverage for the retrieval and storage of genetic material for cancer patients. This cruel gap in coverage leaves many survivors without the financial means to take that next step in fertility treatment, confining their eggs or semen in storage indefinitely.
The previous law is not only inadequate but also discriminatory, particularly against the LGBTQ+ community and single individuals. It requires invasive and outdated criteria for accessing care, such as proving infertility through a year of unprotected heterosexual intercourse. A standard that doesn't apply to most LGBTQ+ couples or individuals seeking family-building care.
SB 729 becomes law due, in part, to the efforts of Principal Coauthor Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and bill cosponsors Equality California, Our Family Coalition, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Alliance for Fertility Preservation, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, Reproductive Freedom for All California, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, and SEIU California.
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