Gov. Gavin Newsom signs law expanding IVF coverage in California

FRESNO, Calif. -- Becoming parents is a dream, Dr. Carolina Sueldo often hears in her office as a fertility specialist.

She says every couple will face different obstacles when embarking on In vitro fertilization, or IVF.

One of the major challenges is often affordability.

"Doing something like IVF really is a significant expense for most families and really requires planning and a lot of decision-making on their part," Dr. Sueldo said.

Dr. Sueldo says it could cost a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the couple's situation.

On Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB729.

The bill will require large group health plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. It includes three egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers.

The bill also expands benefits to LGBTQ+ families.

"There is such a stigma to talk about it, and we haven't talked about it as we should, and there is an opportunity to advocate for them and really share awareness," Jennifer Richmann said.

Jennifer Richmann is behind the Central California Walk of Hope - where hundreds of families unite, bringing awareness to the struggles of infertility faced by many, including herself.

"Emotional burden, physical burden, it's very trying to get to that point," Richmann said.

Jackie Fernando, founder of Resolve, an organization that provides access to resources, therapy, and support groups for people facing infertility, says the bill is monumental.

"I think it's wonderful and a step in the right direction and will give a lot of people at least a start to even try," Fernando said.

Sueldo says while this bill is a step in the right direction, questions remain.

"They do say that small health plans are required to offer but not necessarily required to cover and that individual health plans may not have the same requirements," Dr. Sueldo said.

For now, she says it's a new law worth celebrating.

"We are happy, and we are excited, and it's a right move and step in the right direction, but it would be naïve to think it's a simple, clean, across-the-board answer," Dr. Sueldo said.

The bill is expected to go into effect starting July 2025.