President Donald Trump has faced criticism for failing to follow through on his campaign promises regarding in vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite claiming to have the ability to significantly lower healthcare costs, Trump’s administration has not implemented substantial measures to make IVF more affordable or accessible, raising concerns among families struggling with fertility issues.
In recent remarks, Trump asserted that he had reduced prescription drug costs by as much as 1,500%, a statement widely regarded as inaccurate. This claim has drawn skepticism, particularly in contrast to his previous declarations about making IVF treatments “free” or mandating insurance coverage for the procedure. Critics argue that his promises regarding IVF appear to be little more than political rhetoric.
The Washington Post reported over the weekend that Trump’s administration lacks a concrete plan to ensure insurance coverage for IVF more than six months into his presidency. The only notable action taken thus far was a request made in February 2024, when Trump instructed his domestic policy council to provide recommendations on reducing out-of-pocket costs for IVF treatments within 90 days. However, as of now, there has been no public update on these recommendations, and the administration has declined to comment on the matter.
White House officials have indicated that the lack of progress is due to legal limitations, asserting that Trump would require congressional approval to mandate insurance coverage for IVF. Yet, this reasoning seems inconsistent with his administration’s approach to other healthcare issues, where Trump has attempted to exert pressure on pharmaceutical companies to comply with his directives. Recently, he sent letters to 17 major pharmaceutical company CEOs, demanding compliance with an executive order aimed at lowering drug prices.
Despite the challenges, the promise of affordable IVF was a significant talking point for Trump during his campaign. In August 2024, he emphasized the importance of making IVF accessible, stating, “The government is going to pay for [IVF], or we’re going to get — we’ll mandate your insurance company to pay for it.” His declaration of being the “father of IVF” was met with mixed reactions, and many observers were skeptical about the feasibility of his proposals.
The issue of IVF remains particularly sensitive, as it affects families facing challenges with conception. An October 2024 Ipsos poll showed that a majority of Americans, by a margin of 55-26%, supported legislation requiring insurers to cover IVF. This public sentiment underscores the urgency of the issue and the disappointment felt by many when Trump’s promises have not materialized into actionable policies.
The overall lack of engagement from the Trump administration regarding IVF coverage raises questions about the sincerity of his commitments. During the campaign, many Republican lawmakers expressed skepticism about the viability of the proposals. Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky referred to the IVF pledge as a transparent attempt to appeal to voters, suggesting it lacked genuine support within the party.
As families continue to confront the emotional and financial burden of fertility treatments, the absence of concrete policy developments from the Trump administration is disheartening for those who hoped for more accessible IVF options. The initial enthusiasm surrounding Trump’s IVF promises has waned, leaving many to wonder if they were ever intended to be realized.
