Trump Signs Executive Order Aimed At Expanding Access to IVF

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization.

The order specifically directs his assistant for domestic policy — presumably Vince Haley, whom the president tapped to head his domestic policy agenda last November — to submit a list of recommendations to the president within 90 days on how to protect IVF access and “aggressively” reduce the cost couples bear for the procedure.

“Promises made, promises kept,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared in a post to the X social media platform Tuesday afternoon that recalled Trump’s promises on the campaign trail to protect the procedure.

According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the average cost for one cycle of IVF is about $15,000, though the cost can vary significantly.

In a press release on the order, the White House said the need for more affordable treatment options was driven by costs per cycle that can range anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000.

That same release stated that the anticipated recommendations will focus on ensuring reliable access to IVF.

“Priority will also be placed on addressing any current policies, including those that require legislation, that exacerbate the cost of IVF treatments,” it said.

Among those applauding Trump’s signing of the executive order was the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, which said it was pleased the president “elevated the importance of access to fertility care during the campaign” and also now that he’s in office.

“There is a fix to this problem: Require health insurance plans to cover IVF for patients who need it,” said Sean Tipton, the organization’s chief advocacy and policy officer, in a written statement.

“The facts are clear: Most Americans still do not have health insurance that provides adequate fertility coverage,” Tipton continued. “We look forward to working with President Trump and Congress to remedy this long-festering problem. 

“The president can and should demonstrate his commitment to IVF access for all Americans by immediately ensuring that all federal employees, civilian and military, have access to IVF,” he added.

On Capitol Hill, Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., celebrated Trump signing the order, calling it “the most pro-IVF executive action ever taken at the federal level.”

“IVF is fundamentally pro-family, helping aspiring parents across our nation start and grow their families,” Britt said. “I couldn’t be happier to see President Trump take this landmark step to expand access to this pathway to parenthood.

“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,” she said.

A longtime champion for IVF, Britt introduced the IVF Protection Act, alongside cosponsor Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, last year.

But not everyone was as receptive to Trump’s actions.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., author of the Right to IVF Act that would protect individuals’ rights to access IVF and make it more affordable for middle-class Americans, veterans and military families — released the following statement after Trump signed the executive order.

“Don’t be fooled. Donald Trump’s executive order does nothing to expand access to IVF. In fact, he’s the reason IVF is at risk in the first place,” Duckworth said.

“If he is actually serious about taking real action to accomplish his own campaign promise to make IVF free for everyone, there’s a simple way he can prove it: He can call on Senate Republicans to immediately back my Right to IVF Act that would require insurance plans to cover IVF,” she said.

“Otherwise, it’s all just lip-service from a known liar,” Duckworth added.

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and on X @DanMcCue