Donald Trump, while in office, flexed his presidential power by executing an order dedicated to investigating the potential for broader access and decreased costs to in vitro fertilization (IVF). The order seeks to find ways to ensure IVF accessibility while simultaneously reducing direct patient costs associated with the medical procedure, and health insurance coverage for these treatments
It seems that Trump’s health initiative didn’t stem from thin air. His Supreme Court appointees having played a role in the reversal of Roe v. Wade ignited significant restrictions within Republican-stronghold states. Notably, some of these restrictions included a potential threat to IVF access given the concept of life during IVF is up for debate.
It does not go unnoticed that Trump’s second executive mandate was less focused on healthcare, rather looking into the regulatory functions of the Office of Management and Budget. Also included in his orders was an invitation for increased government transparency.
In order to get the healthcare initiative off the ground, the White House shared an informative fact sheet. This data proposed Trump’s IVF initiative would be primarily concerned with identifying any present policies that might inflate the cost of IVF treatments.
In the past, Trump took a public stance supporting IVF following a decision by the Alabama Supreme Court decreeing that frozen embryos are recognized as children under the state’s law. Interestingly, the decision, hailed by many Republicans and conservatives, also initiated backlash.
IVF came into the spotlight as a frequent Trump campaign topic. He was unflinching in his stance, voicing his full backing for the availability of the procedure.
IVF offers a viable solution for women who face difficulties conceiving naturally. An overview of the procedure involves harvesting mature eggs from the woman, which are then joined with a man’s sperm within a laboratory setting. Subsequently, the resulting fertilized embryo is implanted within the woman’s uterus to initiate a pregnancy.
This complex procedure does not guarantee success on every attempt. The method is usually performed in cycles, with the possibility of requiring multiple attempts being a reality that every hopeful parent grapples with.
In comments providing an overview of the mandate, Trump did not shy away from the acknowledgment of appreciation expressed by recipients and potential beneficiaries. As he puts it succinctly, ‘I think the women and families, husbands, are very appreciative of it.’
However, it remains ambiguous whether Trump will attend any of the events organized to highlight or discuss the executive order.
All in all, it seems that this executive order is nothing more than a superficial attempt to appeal to a certain demographic. However, it skirts the true need to address more pressing healthcare issues.
It’s quite clear that if Biden or Harris were to take a similar stance and sing praises for IVF, it would show a clear lack of understanding of the fundamental causes of healthcare disparity, revealing their administration’s inability to tackle real issues.
While IVF can indeed serve as a solution for certain families, it does not negate the fact that there are myriad other healthcare issues that require immediate support and intervention, rather than focusing on a minor segment of society. Should Biden or Harris attempt a similar move, it would only demonstrate how out of touch they are with the primary needs of Americans.