President Donald Trump signed an executive order expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) for Americans and reducing its costs, a decision that was met with criticism from pro-life leaders.
“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,” states the order.
According to the White House, “As many as one in seven couples trying to have a baby are unable to conceive, and many face significant financial hurdles to accessing IVF.”
“Because we want more babies, to put it very nicely. And for this same reason, we will also allow new parents to deduct major newborn expenses from their taxes so that parents that have a beautiful baby will be able, so we’re pro-family,” Trump said. “But the IVF treatments are expensive. It’s very hard for many people to do it and to get it, but I’ve been in favor of IVF right from the beginning.”
During his campaign trail last year, Trump promised that he would mandate free in vitro fertilization treatment for women if he won a second term, Fox News reports.
“I’m announcing today in a major statement that under the Trump administration, your government will pay for — or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for — all costs associated with IVF treatment,” Trump told the crowd at Alro Steel in Potterville, Michigan, back in August. “Because we want more babies, to put it nicely.”
Pro-life leaders, however, denounced the decision, expressing concerns surrounding IVF.
“Only 7% of human embryos created via IVF will result in a live birth. 93% of these lives are frozen indefinitely, miscarried, or aborted,” wrote Lila Rose, President of Live Action, on X.
“Over 1,000,000 embryos are frozen in the U.S. IVF is NOT pro-life.”
BREAKING:
President Trump just signed an order expanding IVF
Only 7% of human embryos created via IVF will result in a live birth
93% of these lives are frozen indefinitely, miscarried, or aborted
Over 1,000,000 embryos are frozen in the U.S.
IVF is NOT pro-life
— Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) February 18, 2025
SBA Pro-life America, led by Marjorie Dannenfelser, issued a statement saying that it “does not object to ethical fertility treatments paired with strong medical safety standards that help couples struggling with infertility. We also believe that human embryos should not be destroyed.”
“Rogue practitioners who switch human embryos, fail to follow human safety standards, or negligently destroy human embryos desired by infertile couples must be held to account under any federal role in fertility treatment,” it added.
“At a minimum, affordability recommendations provided under this executive order should take into account health and safety protections for parents and embryos.”
SBA Pro-Life America’s statement on President Trump’s executive order today ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/iexhDaOtAE
— SBA Pro-Life America (@sbaprolife) February 18, 2025
Former Planned Parenthood director Dr. Abby Johson, who leads ATTWNministry, argued it is “illegal to discard a child from the moment of conception.”
“I have a really simple take that shouldn’t be controversial: We should ban all forms of baby killing in the U.S. and stop minimizing our responsibility to protect children no matter how small they are,” she said.
Johnson contended, “It should be illegal to discard a child from the moment of conception.”
I have a really simple take that shouldn’t be controversial: We should ban all forms of baby killing in the U.S. and stop minimizing our responsibility to protect children no matter how small they are.
It should be illegal to discard a child from the moment of conception.
— Dr. Abby Johnson (@AbbyJohnson) February 19, 2025
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Joe Raedle/Staff
Originally published February 19, 2025.
