Infertility affects millions of men and women, and the high cost of IVF (often $12,000-$25,000 per cycle) creates substantial financial barriers. From a health equity perspective, this policy may help expand access for lower-income individuals, single parents, LGBTQI+ couples, and those in underserved communities who often face fertility care inequities, particularly those with limited access to fertility clinics and insurance coverage. Nor does it directly address historical inequities to IVf for Black women who have limited access due to cost and discrimination. However, because it does not immediately mandate coverage or reduce costs, realizing equitable access will depend on how the forthcoming recommendations are implemented and whether insurance and state policies change accordingly to provide access to regardless of health insurance coverage.
A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government. Executive orders have the force of law but must align with existing statutes and constitutional authority.
Who It Impacts: Federal agencies and employees, directing them on how to implement laws or carry out government functions. Executive orders can also influence businesses and individuals when they relate to issues like immigration, trade, or labor policies.
Who Is Not Impacted: Private citizens and businesses do not have to directly follow an executive order unless it leads to regulations or policies that apply to them. For example, an executive order directing federal agencies to increase renewable energy use does not mandate action from private companies, but it may influence policy shifts that eventually affect them.
Summary
This executive order sets federal policy to ensure reliable access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) by directing the Domestic Policy Council to submit recommendations within 90 days to reduce out-of-pocket and health-plan costs and ease regulatory/statutory barriers to IVF treatment.
Impact Analysis
Legal Challenges
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Take Institutional Action
Clinics and providers should monitor the federal review process, prepare to share data on cost-barriers and patient demographics (including marginalized groups), and align internal policies to be ready for potential shifts in coverage or regulation.
Insurers and employer-sponsored benefit programs should evaluate current coverage of infertility services and anticipate potential regulatory or policy changes that may require expanded IVF benefits or reduced cost-sharing.
Public health departments and community-based organizations should raise awareness among underserved populations (low income, rural, LGBTQI+, people of color) about infertility treatment options and help navigate barriers including cost, insurance, access to fertility specialists, and legal/contract issues (e.g., embryo storage).
Research institutions should work to collect and publish data on fertility treatment access and outcomes by race, income, geography and sexual orientation/gender identity to inform implementation and oversight of the forthcoming recommendations.
Associated or Derivative Policies
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Policy Prior to 2025
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Additional Resources
Prelude Network: Trumps’ IVF Executive Order: What You Need to Know https://www.preludefertility.com/blog/trumps-ivf-executive-order-what-you-need-to-know
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