AB 960, the Equal Protection For All Families Act, updates the state’s assisted reproduction laws to ensure all couples using assisted reproduction are fully recognized as parents as intended. Specifically, AB 960 would allow unmarried people using assisted reproduction to be fully recognized as parents on the same terms as married parents. Further, this bill would remove the requirement from family law that couples must involve a doctor when using assisted reproduction in order to ensure that the donor is not recognized as a parent. AB 960 also provides clear direction for how egg donors should be treated under California law. These important changes in the law will increase access to family building options by eliminating economic barriers.

“The Assembly’s actions yesterday take California a step closer to bringing its assisted reproduction laws to reflect today’s realities,” said Assemblymember David Chiu. “Many families, especially our LGBT families, are now formed using assisted reproduction. California law needs to rightfully recognize all couples as parents the moment their child is born.”

“AB 960 is incredibly important to LGBT couples looking to plan and create their families in California,” said Rick Zbur executive director for Equality California. “With yesterday’s vote in the Assembly, California legislators reaffirmed the idea that families are created in various ways and they all should be valued and recognized equally under the law. We remain committed to seeing the Equal Protection for All Families Act passed and signed into law.”

AB 960 will move to the Senate Rules Committee for referral to a Senate policy committee. The next policy committee hearing on the bill will be in late June or early July.