Trump’s IVF Promises Fade as Administration Lacks Action
President Donald Trump has faced scrutiny over his commitment to making in vitro fertilization (IVF) more accessible, as his administration appears to lack a concrete plan to fulfill his campaign promises. While Trump has boasted about lowering healthcare costs, including prescription drug prices, his previous assurances regarding IVF coverage have not materialized.
In a recent statement, Trump claimed he had reduced prescription drug costs by as much as 1,500%. He stated, “I don’t mean 50%, I mean 14, 1,500%,” a figure that is mathematically impossible. Despite this grandstanding, his promises regarding IVF remain unaddressed, raising questions about the sincerity of his commitments.
Trump had initially asserted during the 2024 campaign that he would either make IVF free or mandate that insurers cover the costs. However, since taking office, his administration has made little progress toward this goal. Reports from The Washington Post indicate that there is currently no plan to require insurers to provide IVF coverage, even over six months into his presidency.
In February, Trump directed his domestic policy council to submit recommendations aimed at reducing out-of-pocket expenses for IVF treatment, giving them a timeline of 90 days. These recommendations were due in mid-May, yet no details have surfaced, and the administration has declined to comment on the status of these recommendations.
The situation has prompted speculation that the White House has abandoned its ambitious IVF goals. Officials have suggested that Trump cannot unilaterally implement such changes and would need support from Congress to pass legislation. This contrasts sharply with his approach to other healthcare issues, where he has employed aggressive, albeit legally dubious, tactics.
For instance, just last week, Trump sent letters to the CEOs of 17 major pharmaceutical companies, demanding compliance with an executive order aimed at reducing drug prices. This approach indicates a willingness to exert pressure on businesses in areas where he feels more empowered.
While Trump has been vocal about lowering prescription costs, he has not employed similar tactics regarding IVF coverage. There has been no public pressure from the White House on Congress to advance a law related to IVF, raising doubts about the administration’s commitment to this issue.
Trump’s promises regarding IVF have been met with skepticism from observers, particularly given their timing. He first touted his IVF plan in August 2024, stating, “The government is going to pay for [IVF], or we’re going to mandate your insurance company to pay for it.” Such definitive claims have faced criticism, especially as the political landscape surrounding reproductive rights has shifted, particularly in light of stringent abortion laws in various states.
Notably, some Republican lawmakers have openly dismissed Trump’s IVF promises as political pandering. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky remarked that politicians often make grand claims to appease constituents, suggesting that Trump’s IVF proposal may be another instance of this behavior.
Despite the lack of action from the Trump administration, public interest in IVF coverage remains high. A recent Ipsos poll revealed that a majority of Americans—by a margin of 55% to 26%—support Congress passing legislation to require insurers to cover IVF. This sentiment underscores the emotional weight of the issue for many families struggling with infertility.
As the situation stands, those who hoped for substantial changes in the IVF landscape under Trump’s administration are likely to be disappointed. The disconnect between Trump’s promises and the administration’s inaction has left many questioning the sincerity of his commitments. The challenges surrounding IVF access are deeply personal for many families, and the ongoing lack of coverage only intensifies these struggles.
As the administration reassesses its priorities, it remains uncertain whether IVF will emerge as a serious focus in the coming months. The aspirations voiced during the campaign seem increasingly distant, leaving advocates and families in a state of uncertainty regarding the future of IVF accessibility.
