Washington, D.C., February 19, 2025 – The Europe Today: U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to and reducing the costs of in vitro fertilization (IVF), reinforcing his administration’s commitment to supporting family formation and stability.
The order, issued from Trump’s Florida residence and club Mar-a-Lago, directs government agencies to develop policy recommendations that protect IVF access and lower costs for both individuals and insurers. However, the executive order does not specify how the costs of IVF treatment will be covered.
A White House fact sheet released on Tuesday indicated that the order would also address existing policies, including those requiring legislative action, which contribute to the high cost of IVF treatment.
“President Trump promised to advance IVF and help American families with the associated costs so American families can have more babies, building on his record of supporting family formation and stability,” the White House stated.
IVF and Insurance Coverage
Currently, not all U.S. states mandate insurance companies to cover IVF, which involves combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory dish to create an embryo for couples struggling with infertility. Even with insurance coverage, the costs associated with IVF—including medications and medical procedures—can amount to thousands of dollars.
During his election campaign, Trump pledged to require either the government or insurance companies to cover IVF fertility treatments if elected.
IVF as a Key Election Issue
IVF emerged as a contentious issue in the 2024 presidential election following a conservative Alabama Supreme Court ruling that classified embryos as children. The ruling led to uncertainty regarding the legal storage, transport, and use of embryos, prompting some IVF patients to consider relocating their frozen embryos out of the state.
Efforts to safeguard IVF access faced hurdles in Congress. Senate Republicans twice blocked Democratic-led legislation aimed at protecting access to the procedure, with some arguing that such measures were unnecessary as IVF access was not under immediate threat.
Additional Executive Orders
Alongside the IVF-related order, President Trump signed another executive order detailing the oversight functions of the Office of Management and Budget. Additionally, a presidential memorandum was issued to enhance government transparency.
According to White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf, whom Trump invited to the podium to elaborate on the orders, the memorandum mandates “radical transparency requirements” for the government, compelling agencies to disclose instances of “waste, fraud, and abuse.” The initiative aligns with efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency, which is overseen by Elon Musk, to curtail government spending.
Looking Ahead
With these measures, the Trump administration seeks to position itself as an advocate for family growth and financial efficiency. However, questions remain regarding the implementation and funding mechanisms of the new IVF policies, as well as potential legislative challenges.
The executive orders are expected to shape ongoing policy discussions in Washington as lawmakers and stakeholders assess their impact on American families and government operations.
