On Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order. The recommendations are to enhance access to and reduce the cost of in vitro fertilization. During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump promised to make the procedure more affordable for the increasing number of people in the U.S. facing fertility challenges. However, the president has yet to clarify how the treatments will be funded, as many insurance companies in the U.S. do not cover infertility treatments.
Insights Into Further Statements
“A list should be submitted within 90 days for policy recommendations on protecting IVF access and aggressively reducing out-of-pocket costs for IVF treatment.”
Some employers offer cost-sharing fertility treatments to ease the financial burden of assisted reproductive technologies. It is still to be noted that like IVF, many Americans still cover the expenses themselves.
The cost of a single IVF cycle typically ranges from $12,000 to $17,000. This cost is potentially reaching $25,000 with necessary medications. However, IVF access does not guarantee a live birth and often requires multiple treatment cycles.
“To support American families, it is the policy of my Administration to ensure reliable access to IVF treatment. This includes easing unnecessary statutory or regulatory burdens to make IVF treatment drastically more affordable.”
According to the Trump IVF policy, the majority of states do not mandate insurance coverage for laboratory embryos for conception. Furthermore, even when insurance is available, the cost of medications and medical procedures can still amount to thousands of dollars.
Alabama Supreme Court and IVF Reduction
Trump and numerous republican candidates have emphasized his support for IVF access following a 2024 Alabama Supreme Court ruling.
The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are legally considered children. These individuals who damage them are potentially liable for wrongful death. Additionally, critics cautioned that this decision could discourage infertility associations and deter those seeking them.
According to Christy Lane, co-founder of Flora Fertility:
“Generally, changes like this take time and are subject to the system catching up with demand.”
Lane explained that proposals such as Trump’s IVF plan would expand coverage for those with healthcare expenses reducing out-of-pocket costs. While this is a beneficial outcome, she also pointed out that the rising demand could overwhelm fertility clinics. Significantly, this could result in longer wait times.
Trump’s IVF Clash
Trump’s stance on expanding IVF access differs from that of some conservative groups and political leaders. They have contested the idea of personhood for frozen embryos created through IVF. Moreover, the executive order does not clarify whether frozen embryos created through IVF would be included in the proposed expansion.
The order does not specify whether transgender couples qualify for enhanced access increasing conflict with gender policy that recognizes only two sexes: male and female.
Shedlin, a Congress Republican stated:
“Fertility treatments are medical treatments and should be covered like them. Simply offering limited financial assistance isn’t enough. We need structured insurance coverage that ensures people can access the right treatments at the right time.”
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Moving Forward
Infertility rates are increasing in the U.S., prompting President Trump to issue an executive order. The timeline for potential changes to out-of-pocket costs for IVF remains uncertain. Significantly, a single IVF cycle costs as much as $25,000 while some states provide coverage for fertility treatments. It is to be noted that still many employers also offer fertility benefits to help reduce expenses. Visit Benefits by State for more insights.
