Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization

Enactment Date: 02/18/2025

Category: Women's Rights

Summary: On February 18, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14216, titled "Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization," directing the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to develop policy recommendations within 90 days to enhance access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and significantly reduce its costs, which can range from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle, addressing the financial and emotional struggles faced by one in seven couples unable to conceive. The order emphasizes the importance of family formation, aiming to ease statutory and regulatory burdens to make IVF more affordable and reliable for Americans, fulfilling Trump’s campaign promise to support family-building efforts amidst a declining U.S. fertility rate, though it does not specify funding mechanisms or mandate coverage, drawing criticism from some anti-abortion groups who oppose IVF due to embryo concerns.

Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization – The White House

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Purpose and Policy. Today, many hopeful couples dream of starting a family, but as many as one in seven are unable to conceive a child. Despite their hopes and efforts, infertility struggles can make conception difficult, turning what should be a joyful experience into an emotional and financial struggle. My Administration recognizes the importance of family formation, and as a Nation, our public policy must make it easier for loving and longing mothers and fathers to have children.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) offers hope to men and women experiencing fertility challenges. Americans need reliable access to IVF and more affordable treatment options, as the cost per cycle can range from $12,000 to $25,000. Providing support, awareness, and access to affordable fertility treatments can help these families navigate their path to parenthood with hope and confidence.
Therefore, to support American families, 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.

Sec. 2. Lowering Costs and Reducing Barriers to IVF. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy shall submit to the President a list of policy recommendations on protecting IVF access and aggressively reducing out-of-pocket and health plan costs for IVF treatment.

Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.