Trump signs executive order to ‘aggressively reduce’ IVF costs — after campaign pledge to make it free
New York Post2 days ago
Trump Signs Executive Order to Expand IVF Access
Above: Donald Trump delivers remarks before signing an executive order on expanding access to IVF at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Feb. 18, 2025. Image copyright: Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US Pres. Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order directing the Domestic Policy Council to develop recommendations within 90 days for "protecting IVF (in vitro fertilization) access and aggressively reducing out-of-pocket and health plan costs for IVF treatment."
In a fact sheet, the White House said the current cost of IVF treatments ranges from $12K to $25K per cycle, with many patients requiring multiple cycles. It added that only a quarter of employers reportedly provide coverage for IVF, while health insurance companies often don't.
The executive order aims to "ensure reliable access to IVF" and address affordability issues by prioritizing "addressing any current policies, including those that require legislation, that exacerbate the cost of IVF treatments."
The Spin
Republican narrative
The Trump administration is taking concrete steps to protect reproductive rights and family planning options. This executive order highlights Trump's strong commitment to family formation and addresses a crucial healthcare need affecting one in seven couples trying to conceive. It will help make the dream of parenthood more accessible to loving families while supporting population growth and family values.
Democratic narrative
The executive order is merely a PR stunt that doesn't actually guarantee coverage or affordability of IVF treatments. The administration's track record on reproductive rights, including appointments of Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, contradicts this superficial support for fertility treatments. The order lacks specific implementation details and doesn't address the immediate needs of families struggling with infertility.