San Francisco is known for its freedom and open-mindedness, but many residents are finding it difficult to start families due to the high cost of living. The city has one of the lowest shares of children among major US cities, and parents’ average age is among the oldest in the country.
The main reason for this trend is the rising cost of raising a family, including housing, childcare, healthcare, and forming a family structure that’s not traditional. This affects many San Franciscans, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community who may face additional barriers when trying to conceive or adopt.
IVF, IUI, surrogacy, adoption, and fostering are common methods for starting a family, but these options often come with high costs, which can be inaccessible to many. The lack of coverage for fertility treatments under insurance policies is a significant issue, making parenthood unaffordable for some.
This problem goes beyond personal struggles; it’s also a civic concern. Cities thrive when there are overlapping generations, and San Francisco faces the risk of losing its voice in Washington if family formation becomes impossible. Democrats have historically defended reproductive justice, but now they’re pushing to expand this concept to include IVF, IUI, surrogacy, adoption, and fostering.
The recent passage of a resolution by the San Francisco Democratic Party aims to address these issues. The party is calling for expanded insurance coverage for fertility treatments, stronger paid leave policies for parents using surrogates or foster children, and more affordable housing options.
Ultimately, this is about ensuring that reproductive choice applies to everyone, regardless of income, gender, or family structure. By embracing the values of freedom and opportunity, San Francisco can create a better future for its residents and protect its cultural identity.
Source: https://www.ebar.com/story/163290/Opinion/Guest%20Opinion/Guest%20Opinion%3A%20Reproductive%20justice%20for%20queer%20communities