PALM BEACH, Florida- President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reducing its costs.
The order, announced at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, directs the Domestic Policy Council to develop policy recommendations within 90 days to protect IVF access and “aggressively reduce out-of-pocket and health plan costs” for the treatment.
This move aligns with promises Trump made during his 2024 campaign, where he pledged that the government or insurance companies would cover IVF costs to support families and encourage more births, though specifics on funding were not detailed in the order.
The initiative responds to the high cost of IVF, which ranges from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle and is often not covered by insurance, making it unaffordable for many Americans. The White House emphasized that the policy aims to ease financial burdens and ensure reliable access for families struggling with infertility. However, the order does not immediately change costs or access; it sets the stage for future recommendations, potentially including legislative changes.
This action follows IVF becoming a significant issue after the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade—enabled by Trump’s Supreme Court appointees—which led to state-level restrictions, including an Alabama ruling in 2024 that embryos are children. That decision had threatened IVF availability, prompting Trump to publicly support the procedure. While polls show broad American support for IVF, the issue has divided Republicans, with some opposing it due to embryo disposal concerns, and Senate Republicans previously blocking protective legislation in 2024. The order marks an attempt to deliver on a campaign promise while navigating these tensions.