President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and significantly reducing its associated costs.
This action underscores the administration’s commitment to supporting family formation and addressing the nation’s declining fertility rates.
The executive order mandates the Domestic Policy Council to present a comprehensive report within 90 days, detailing strategies to ensure reliable access to IVF and proposing measures to alleviate the financial burdens on aspiring parents.
Currently, the cost of IVF can range from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle, with many couples requiring multiple cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy, according to the White House.
Health insurance coverage for IVF is limited; only a quarter of employers offer coverage for these treatments, and state-mandated coverage is sporadic at best.
The federal government provides limited IVF coverage for military personnel, veterans, and federal employees, leaving a large gap in support for the general public.
Also, data from the Department of Health and Human Services indicates that more than 85,000 infants were born as a result of IVF in 2021. However, the U.S. fertility rate experienced a 3% drop in 2023 compared to 2022, continuing a trend of annual decreases since 2014.
Trump also enacted legislation allowing new parents to withdraw up to $5,000 from their retirement accounts without penalty for the birth or adoption of a child.
“Because we want more babies, to put it very nicely. And for this same reason, we will also allow new parents to deduct major newborn expenses from their taxes, so that parents that have a beautiful baby will be able, so we’re pro family. But the IVF treatments are expensive. It’s very hard for many people to do it and to get it, but I’ve been in favor of IVF, right from the beginning,” Trump said.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today celebrated President Trump’s historic executive order aimed at enhancing access to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
“IVF is fundamentally pro-family, helping aspiring parents across our nation start and grow their families. I couldn’t be happier to see President Trump take this landmark step to expand access to this pathway to parenthood,” said Senator Britt.
“I remain grateful for President Trump’s bold leadership on this issue. IVF will be more affordable and accessible for loving American families thanks to President Trump.”
“President Trump is, once again, keeping his promises to the American people. I look forward to introducing legislation in the Senate advancing the Trump Administration’s pro-family agenda for the millions of Americans facing infertility who dream of building a family. Republicans will continue to fight for hardworking families and deliver real results,” Senator Britt continued.
It can be recalled that Tim Walz launched a series of unfounded attacks on Republicans, citing his family’s struggles with infertility. He warned that conservatives aim to restrict in vitro fertilization (IVF), a subject he ‘takes personally’ and frequently discusses in interviews.
In early August, Walz took to X to blast Republican VP nominee JD Vance, saying, “If it was up to JD Vance, I wouldn’t have a family because of IVF. Democrats are investing in prenatal care. We’re the ones that are for universal pre-K. We’re the ones that are providing school meals. I’m not gonna back down one bit on this whole family values thing. We’re making it more affordable to have children by having paid family and medical leave. Where is JD Vance’s program?”
JD Vance called Walz out for his lies, “Today it came out that Tim Walz had lied about having a family via IVF. Who lies about something like that?”
In a statement to CNN, Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz further clarified that she did not use in vitro fertilization to conceive.
