Trump Signs Executive Order to Expand IVF Access and Push for Government Transparency

By Isla Robertson · Feb 19, 2025

In a significant policy move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reducing its associated costs. This initiative seeks to address the financial and regulatory barriers that many individuals and couples face when pursuing fertility treatments.

Key Highlights of the Executive Order:

Affordability and Accessibility: The order directs the Domestic Policy Council to develop strategies to "aggressively" lower the costs of IVF, making it more attainable for a broader spectrum of Americans.
Regulatory Reforms: It calls for the identification and elimination of unnecessary statutory or regulatory obstacles that contribute to the high expenses of IVF treatments.

President Trump emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "It is the policy of my administration to ensure reliable access to IVF treatment, including by easing unnecessary statutory or regulatory burdens to make IVF treatment drastically more affordable."

This executive order comes in the wake of recent legislative actions in various states that have introduced restrictions potentially impacting reproductive health services, including IVF. By proactively addressing these concerns, the administration aims to safeguard and promote reproductive options for individuals and families nationwide.

In tandem with the IVF directive, President Trump issued a presidential memorandum advocating for "radical transparency" within government operations. This memorandum mandates federal departments and agencies to disclose instances of waste, fraud, and abuse, aligning with the administration's broader commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient governance.

The President's actions have elicited a range of responses. Advocates for reproductive health have lauded the focus on making IVF more accessible and affordable. Barbara Collura, President and CEO of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, remarked, "The biggest barriers for people to building their families are the out-of-pocket costs, the lack of insurance coverage for this care."

Conversely, some critics question the efficacy of the order in truly expanding access to IVF. Senator Tammy Duckworthof Illinois expressed skepticism, stating, "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."

As the administration moves forward with these initiatives, the coming months will be pivotal in determining the tangible impacts of the executive order on IVF accessibility and the broader implications of the push for increased governmental transparency.