New Trump Executive Order Expands Access To IVF

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order from his Mar-a-Lago estate aimed at improving access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) for American families. The directive, signed on February 18, 2025, seeks to reduce the financial burden of IVF treatments and enhance policy support for those struggling with infertility.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the order instructs the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to deliver recommendations within 90 days. These suggestions will focus on safeguarding IVF availability and significantly lowering the costs borne by families and health insurance plans. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates that a single IVF cycle in the U.S. averages approximately $15,000.

The executive order highlights the challenges faced by couples dealing with infertility, noting that as many as one in seven American couples struggle to conceive. It frames family-building as a priority, arguing that public policy should ease the path to parenthood rather than complicate it. “For many, infertility transforms the hopeful journey of starting a family into a taxing ordeal, both emotionally and financially,” the order states. It positions IVF as a vital resource, offering optimism to those facing fertility obstacles while acknowledging the high expense—ranging from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle—that often limit access.

Trump’s administration has vowed to bolster support for fertility treatments, aligning with his campaign promises to broaden their reach. Leavitt took to X, posting, “PROMISES MADE PROMISES KEPT,” tying the order to Trump’s earlier commitments to assist women seeking IVF.

The topic of IVF surged into the national spotlight last year following an Alabama Supreme Court decision. Although some media reports inaccurately claimed the ruling banned IVF, the court, led by Justice Jay Mitchell, actually affirmed that unborn children qualify as “children” under Alabama’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act, emphasizing protections for embryonic life.

Throughout his campaign, Trump has leaned into the IVF debate, branding himself the “father of IVF” during a Fox News town hall with female voters and positioning the Republican Party as a champion of fertility and family growth. “We’re the party for IVF,” he declared. He has repeatedly emphasized a pro-family agenda, promising in an August NBC News interview that his administration would ensure insurance companies cover IVF costs. “We’re going to be paying for that treatment,” he said, underscoring his belief that more babies benefit the nation. Additionally, Trump has proposed tax deductions for new parents to offset newborn-related expenses, further reinforcing his family-focused platform.

The executive order reflects a blend of policy ambition and political messaging, aiming to make IVF more affordable and accessible while addressing a deeply personal issue that resonates with many Americans.