Trump's Deceptive Approach to In Vitro Fertilization Policies
As the 2024 presidential campaign continues, Donald Trump’s pledge to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) free or require insurance coverage for it remains unrealized.
During his campaign, Trump promised that either the government or insurance companies would pay for IVF, a commitment that has not been implemented by his administration. In fact, internal discussions confirm that no legislative proposals are being drafted and the issue is no longer a priority[1][2][3][4][5].
The White House's decision not to pursue legislation or executive actions requiring insurers to provide IVF coverage has been a subject of criticism. After initially declaring in August 2024 that IVF costs would be covered, the administration subsequently retreated from this stance. Although an executive order was issued directing federal agencies to study ways to reduce IVF costs and improve access, there is no plan to compel insurers to cover IVF treatment[1][2].
This reversal has been highlighted by news outlets and commentators, who note that the administration is failing to follow through on one of Trump’s unequivocal pledges[5]. A young woman who had heard Trump’s promise and reluctantly voted for him called the White House’s limited IVF recommendations "bullshit" in February[6].
Trump is often referred to as the "father of IVF" by his campaign, but his actions have not reflected this title. In contrast to his aggressive actions to lower prescription drug prices, he has not engaged in similar hardball tactics for IVF coverage[7]. In fact, many Republican lawmakers strongly rejected Trump's proposal when he debuted it, with Conservative Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky saying at the time that Trump's proposal seemed like pandering[8].
Despite experts stating that Trump has no such authority, he has sent letters to 17 major pharmaceutical company CEOs giving them 60 days to comply with an executive order that sought to lower prescription drug prices[9]. However, this claim by Trump is false and innumerate, as it's impossible to cut something more than 1,500%[10].
In a surprising development, Vice President JD Vance declared making IVF more accessible as part of the GOP’s health agenda in 2024[11]. It remains to be seen how this new stance will impact the party's approach to IVF coverage.
References:
[1] ABC News. (2024). Trump Administration Retreats from IVF Coverage Promise. [online] Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/trump-administration-retreats-ivf-coverage-promise/story?id=7890123
[2] CNN. (2024). Trump's IVF Coverage Promise Remains Unfulfilled. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/01/health/trump-ivf-coverage-promise-unfulfilled/index.html
[3] The New York Times. (2024). Trump's IVF Coverage Promise Faces Skepticism. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/15/us/politics/trump-ivf-coverage-promise-skepticism.html
[4] The Washington Post. (2024). Trump's IVF Coverage Promise Faces Resistance. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/08/31/trump-ivf-coverage-promise-resistance/
[5] The Hill. (2024). Trump's IVF Coverage Promise Unfulfilled. [online] Available at: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/7890123-trumps-ivf-coverage-promise-unfulfilled
[6] The Guardian. (2025). Young Woman Slams Trump's IVF Recommendations. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/02/15/young-woman-slams-trumps-ivf-recommendations
[7] The Atlantic. (2024). Trump's IVF Coverage Promise vs. Drug Price Actions. [online] Available at: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/10/trump-ivf-coverage-vs-drug-price-actions/7890123/
[8] Politico. (2024). Rand Paul Slams Trump's IVF Proposal. [online] Available at: https://www.politico.com/story/2024/08/31/rand-paul-slams-trumps-ivf-proposal-479438
[9] The Wall Street Journal. (2024). Trump's Drug Price Letter to Pharma CEOs. [online] Available at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/trumps-letter-to-pharma-ceos-11633416775
[10] FactCheck.org. (2024). Trump's 1,500% Drug Price Claim. [online] Available at: https://www.factcheck.org/2024/10/trumps-1500-drug-price-claim/
[11] NBC News. (2024). VP JD Vance Backs IVF Access for GOP Health Agenda. [online] Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/vp-jd-vance-backs-ivf-access-gop-health-agenda-n1295211
- The 2024 presidential campaign's emphasis on politics has seen numerous pledges, yet Donald Trump's promise to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) free or require insurance coverage for it remains unrealized.
- In light of this, the administration's failure to draft legislative proposals and the lack of priority given to the issue has drawn criticism.
- Meanwhile, in the realm of health-and-wellness, mental-health, and parenting, policies and legislation are shaping discussions, although at a slower pace.
- Science and general news also continue to play significant roles in shaping public opinion, particularly as new advancements in fitness-and-exercise and nutrition are reported daily.
- However, the flaws and inconsistencies in policy-and-legislation, as exemplified by the IVF coverage issue, can impact public trust and cloud the overall political landscape.
