President Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order directing federal agencies to find ways to reduce the high cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
The order directs the Domestic Policy Council to make recommendations “on how to ensure reliable access to IVF,” according to a White House fact sheet. It sets a 90-day deadline for the recommendations to be submitted.
“Fertilization, I’ve been saying that we’re going to do what we have to do. And I think the women — and families, husbands — are very appreciative of it,” Trump said at an event at Mar-a-Lago.
According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the average cost for one cycle of IVF is about $15,000, and many patients require multiple cycles before a successful pregnancy is achieved.
“The recommendations will focus on how to ensure reliable access to IVF,” a White House fact sheet said. “Priority will also be placed on addressing any current policies, including those that require legislation, that exacerbate the cost of IVF treatments.”
Trump vowed during the 2024 presidential campaign that he would ensure IVF treatments would be covered by the government or that the government would require insurance companies to cover it.
The executive order doesn’t directly address that promise, but the National Infertility Association (RESOLVE) said it was a promising first step — so long as there was follow through.
“From my perspective, this is a really good first step,” the group’s CEO Barbara Collura said. “The government, they love to do reports. So let’s see what the report says, and then what the action is once it’s released.”
Last year, Senate Republicans twice blocked consideration of legislation that would have protected access to IVF and made the treatments more affordable, calling it a political stunt from Democrats.
Collura said she is hopeful for action this year on bipartisan House legislation to require private health insurance to cover IVF and IUI as well as fertility preservation services.
The HOPE with Fertility Services Act bill was introduced last year by then-Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), who is now the nominee to lead the Department of Labor. It hasn’t yet been reintroduced.
