President Donald J. Trump Expands Access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to Support American Families. In a landmark move to support American families, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order on February 18, 2025, aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reducing the financial barriers associated with the treatment. The order underscores the administration’s commitment to family formation and addresses the growing need for affordable fertility treatments in the United States.
Lowering Costs and Reducing Barriers to IVF
The Executive Order directs federal agencies to develop policy recommendations to protect and expand access to IVF while aggressively reducing out-of-pocket and health plan costs for families seeking treatment. The recommendations will focus on ensuring reliable access to IVF and addressing policies that exacerbate the high costs of fertility treatments.
President Trump emphasized the importance of family formation, stating, “Our Nation’s public policy must make it easier for loving and longing mothers and fathers to have children.” The order reflects the administration’s recognition of the challenges faced by millions of Americans struggling with infertility.
The Growing Need for Affordable IVF
Infertility affects as many as one in seven couples in the United States, with many facing significant financial hurdles to accessing IVF. The cost of a single IVF cycle ranges from 12,000 to 25,000, and multiple cycles are often required to achieve a successful pregnancy. Despite the high demand, IVF is not widely covered by health insurance.
According to recent data:
- Only 25% of employers offer IVF coverage for their employees.
- A handful of states mandate some form of IVF coverage in state-regulated insurance plans.
- The federal government provides limited IVF coverage for military personnel, veterans, and federal employees.
The Department of Health and Human Services reports that over 85,000 infants were born as a result of IVF in 2021. However, the general U.S. fertility rate continues to decline, dropping 3% in 2023 from the previous year. From 2014 to 2020, the fertility rate consistently decreased by 2% annually, highlighting the urgent need for policies that support family growth.
Delivering on Promises for American Families
President Trump’s Executive Order builds on his longstanding commitment to supporting American families. During his first administration, he doubled the child tax credit and expanded eligibility for the credit. He also signed into law a provision allowing new parents to withdraw up to $5,000 from their retirement accounts without penalty when they give birth to or adopt a child.
In a recent statement, President Trump reiterated his support for IVF and family formation: “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. IVF treatments are expensive, and it’s very hard for many people to access them. I’ve been in favor of IVF right from the beginning.”
The Impact of the Executive Order
The Executive Order is expected to have a significant impact on the IVF market in the United States. By reducing costs and expanding access, the order aims to make fertility treatments more accessible to a broader population. This move could also stimulate growth in the fertility industry, which has seen increasing demand in recent years.
Looking Ahead
As the federal government works to implement the recommendations outlined in the Executive Order, the focus will remain on ensuring that American families have the support they need to grow. The order represents a critical step forward in addressing the challenges of infertility and reaffirms the administration’s commitment to family-friendly policies.
About the Author
Indian American Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD FACEP, is the founder of Arlington Integrative Medical Center and a distinguished leader in the field, holding board certifications in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She is the U.S. Bureau Chief for The Desi Buzz, GCCStartup.News, and Startup Berita, where she contributes her insights on healthcare and innovation. As a committed member of the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Parvez is also pursuing a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Medicine and Healing Arts in Leicester, UK. Certified in contemporary cupping skills, Hijama therapy, and leech therapy, she combines traditional healing techniques with modern medicine. Dr. Parvez is fluent in Spanish, French, Urdu, Hindi, and Ar
