Donald Trump Moves To Expand IVF Access: Here's All You Need To Know About The Procedure, Its History

(MENAFN- Live Mint) President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at making in vitro fertilization (IVF) more affordable for Americans. The order calls for policy recommendations within 90 days to reduce out-of-pocket and health plan costs for IVF treatment.

"Americans need reliable access to IVF and more affordable treatment options, as the cost per cycle can range from $12,000 to $25,000," the order stated.

Here's what you need to know about IVF, its history, insurance coverage, and ongoing controversies.

IVF in the spotlight

IVF became a major topic during the 2024 presidential campaign , especially after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos could be considered children. The decision led to concerns about legal liabilities for fertility clinics, prompting Alabama lawmakers to pass protections for IVF providers.

Trump has expressed strong support for ensuring access to IVF , aligning with public sentiment.

What is IVF?

IVF is a medical procedure that helps individuals struggling with infertility conceive. It involves retrieving eggs from a woman, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then implanting the resulting embryo into the uterus. Multiple cycles may be required to achieve pregnancy.

Insurance coverage for IVF

IVF insurance coverage varies widely. Some large employers offer coverage to attract talent, and some businesses extend benefits beyond infertility cases to LGBTQ+ couples and single women. However, government-funded programs like Medicaid typically limit fertility treatment coverage, making access difficult for many.

A brief history of IVF

The first baby conceived through IVF was born in England in 1978. In the U.S., the first successful IVF birth occurred in 1981 in Norfolk, Virginia, when Elizabeth Carr was born.

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