Trump’s IVF Executive Order two weeks on, and what it might mean for the future

With the recent IVF Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump, many of us are left wondering what this means for IVF access in the future and the broader fertility landscape in the United States. 

So, we’re delving into some of the latest developments surrounding Trump’s Executive Order on IVF, breaking down its key terms, what it might mean for the future of IVF in the United States, and its potential impact on fertility costs. 

We also explore whether this executive order will bring about real change and highlight actionable steps you can take right now in light of these new changes.

What does this Executive Order entail?

Here is what you should know about the Executive Order: The order instructs the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to present policy recommendations within 90 days to protect access to IVF and reduce out-of-pocket and health plan costs for fertility treatments (The White House).

However, the order does not address Trump’s campaign promise of having the government or insurance companies fully cover IVF costs. There has been significant criticism of the order’s ambiguity, with many questioning its true intentions and what it aims to achieve.  

With birthrates at historically low levels, President Trump has been a vocal proponent of supporting the growth of American families. He has pledged to promote IVF and alleviate the financial strain of fertility treatments, with the goal of encouraging family growth and strengthening his track record of advocating for family stability.  

However, many people remain skeptical of Trump’s true intentions behind this Executive Order, especially given the polarizing nature of the issue within his administration. It is also worth noting that just last year, Senate Republicans blocked efforts to preserve federal protections for IVF after the Supreme Court ruling in Alabama classifying frozen embryos as children, raising questions about the commitment to advancing this cause.  

The future of IVF in the US  

This Executive Order raises the critical question: What does the future of IVF in the U.S. look like now? Unfortunately, due to the vague nature of the order, it is unclear what direction it will take. However, you should know a few things as the situation continues to unfold in the coming weeks. 

1. Some fertility organizations such as Resolve have optimism for the future of IVF in America stating, “We have never seen an administration prioritize IVF as an issue impacting millions of Americans” (The Guardian).
2. Trump and his administration’s use of language, “IVF should be used by longing mothers and fathers,”  causes some to raise skepticism about who the intended audience for the Executive order will be and if it will include those in the LGBTQ+ community (The Guardian).
3. This Executive Order could likely cause some sort of division between Trump and certain factors of his administration, particularly with the links many of them have to the anti-abortion movement, where some may view it as conflicting with their stance on reproductive technologies.

Impact on the future of IVF and fertility costs in the US  

The journey to reduce the costs of IVF in the United States will likely face significant challenges, with anticipated pushback from insurance companies regarding policy changes and difficulty ensuring that the cost reductions directly benefit those who need them most.  

A New York Times article examining this Executive Order highlights several potential obstacles. 

It points out that requiring insurers to cover IVF could be a complex process, requiring new legislation in Congress or convincing a panel of experts to include IVF in the list of free preventive women’s health services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This would be particularly difficult given that the ACA is the very health coverage law that Trump has attempted to repeal. With these hurdles in mind, the future of the order appears uncertain  (New York Times).

The article also notes that reaching a consensus on government-funded IVF could prove difficult, especially considering the lack of agreement among Congressional Republicans on previous bills addressing IVF legality. This history of division suggests that pushing for government funding of  IVF treatments may face serious opposition.  

For more information on financing IVF in the US, including our current status and key questions to ask, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on fertility financing.

Will this Executive Order bring real change?  

Predicting the exact future of this order is difficult—whether it is merely a PR stunt or if it will lead to significant change remains unclear. However, one thing is certain: any spotlight on IVF is valuable, as it fosters much-needed conversation around its accessibility and the importance of this treatment today.  

In the short term, this order is already providing impact, particularly in public discourse. 

Regardless of whether the order is effective, it has brought IVF to the forefront of discussions, raising awareness about the challenges many people face in accessing fertility treatments. In the brief time since being issued, it has already sparked a conversation about the high costs of IVF and the lengths families must go to afford the treatment.  

While the long-term effects are still uncertain, this order is undeniably shifting the national conversation about IVF. This could pave the way for future advocacy, funding, and research, benefiting families who need IVF in the future. 

Is there anything we can do right now? 

1.  Support fertility organizations

By donating, volunteering, or simply lending an ear to organizations that advocate for IVF and fertility rights (particularly for those who support IVF for all backgrounds and groups), you’re contributing to meaningful change and fostering important conversations about fertility in the U.S. Your support helps drive progress and ensures that these critical issues remain in the spotlight. 

 2.  Engage in public discourse

Using any platform to educate others or raise awareness about IVF and fertility can spark a ripple effect, drawing more attention to the cause. The more we’re informed and the better we understand these issues, the greater the potential to build a strong advocacy movement for the future. 

 3.  Advocate for research

The more we understand IVF and fertility research, the greater our chance of making progress and easing the process in the future. This knowledge can also play a key role in making treatments more affordable and accessible for all individuals on a family–building journey.

One final point 

While there’s still a lot to be revealed, it seems fertility companies are taking Trump’s request for policy recommendations seriously, seeing it as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on IVF and foster more discussion around it.  

With plenty of confusion continuing to surround the order, the next few months will clarify which groups are included and could benefit from this Order, and which will not.  

In the meantime, all of us should use this moment to highlight the significance of IVF and fertility rights in the U.S. and begin a more meaningful conversation about them. 

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