Trump Signs Executive Order on IVF Treatments

THE NEWS

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and slashing its costs for Americans struggling with fertility issues.

The directive requires the administration’s domestic policy chief to deliver policy recommendations within 90 days, focusing on how to remove “unnecessary statutory or regulatory burdens” that inflate IVF expenses.

The order follows Trump’s 2024 campaign pledge to have insurers or government programs cover IVF treatments. Currently, most states do not mandate coverage for IVF, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars per cycle, creating a significant financial hurdle for many aspiring parents.

TIMELINE

• 2014–2020: U.S. fertility rates decline by approximately 2% each year, according to White House data.

• 2021: The Department of Health and Human Services reports more than 85,000 IVF births nationwide.

• 2022: U.S. birth rate falls to 1.67 births per woman, well below the 2.1 replacement rate.

• 2023: U.S. fertility rate drops an additional 3% from 2022, increasing concerns about population stagnation.

• 2024: The conservative Alabama Supreme Court rules that embryos are considered children, raising legal uncertainties for IVF clinics and patients. IVF emerges as a contentious topic in the presidential race.

• Late 2024–Early 2025: Senate Republicans block two pieces of legislation designed to protect IVF access nationwide, suggesting the measures are unnecessary.

• Tuesday (Executive Order): Trump signs an order directing agencies to propose ways to ensure “reliable access to IVF treatment” and reduce costs, without clarifying how new policies would be funded.

REACTIONS

President Donald Trump: Frames the executive order as fulfilling his campaign promise to ensure that expensive fertility treatments like IVF become more affordable for Americans. Maintains that “unnecessary statutory or regulatory burdens” should be dismantled.

White House (Fact Sheet): Emphasizes the urgency of addressing declining fertility rates, linking IVF affordability to national population goals. Highlights that IVF births topped 85,000 in 2021 and cost anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle.

Critics in Congress: Argue that Trump’s order lacks detail on how expanded coverage will be paid for, cautioning that without a legislative plan to finance IVF, families could remain underinsured and burdened by high out-of-pocket costs.

Proponents of IVF Access: Welcome the administration’s move, citing the difficulties families face in securing coverage and the legal gray areas highlighted by the Alabama Supreme Court ruling. Some lawmakers hope the order will spark bipartisan efforts to require insurers to include fertility coverage.

Opposing Voices: Conservative groups in some states express concern over embryo rights and possible conflicts with pro-life legislation. They fear new rules could infringe on the autonomy of states to regulate embryo-related procedures.

WHAT'S NEXT

The administration’s domestic policy chief now has 90 days to present proposals for lowering IVF costs and broadening coverage.