Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization

Executive Orders

TLDR

This executive order aims to make IVF treatments more accessible and affordable by requiring policy recommendations within 90 days that focus on protecting access and reducing costs. It addresses infertility affecting 1 in 7 couples, targets lowering treatment costs (currently $12,000-$25,000 per cycle), and aims to eliminate regulatory barriers, while working within existing agency authorities and budget constraints.

This executive order focuses on making IVF treatments more accessible and affordable for American families struggling with infertility. Let me analyze its key components and implications:

Policy Goals

  • Addresses infertility affecting approximately one in seven couples attempting to conceive
  • Aims to reduce IVF treatment costs, which currently range from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle
  • Seeks to eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers to IVF access

Implementation Timeline

  • Requires policy recommendations within 90 days from the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy
  • Focuses on two main areas:
    1. Protecting IVF access
    2. Reducing costs through health plans and out-of-pocket expenses

The order addresses real cost barriers in the current fertility treatment landscape:

  • Some clinics currently offer IVF cycles for as low as $5,000-$7,000
  • Basic IVF packages at some facilities cost under $10,000
  • Significant variation exists in pricing across different regions and providers

Analysis and Implications

Strengths

  • Acknowledges infertility as a significant public health issue
  • Takes a federal approach to addressing cost barriers
  • Maintains existing agency authorities and budget processes

Limitations

  • Does not create new legally enforceable rights
  • Implementation depends on available appropriations
  • Effectiveness relies on subsequent policy recommendations and implementation

This order could potentially bridge the gap between current lowest-cost options ($5,000-$7,000) and typical market rates ($12,000-$25,000), making IVF more accessible to middle-income families.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section1.

Purpose and Policy.

Today, many hopeful couples dream of starting a family, but as many as one in seven are unable to conceive a child. Despite their hopes and efforts, infertility struggles can make conception difficult, turning what should be a joyful experience into an emotional and financial struggle. My Administration recognizes the importance of family formation, and as a Nation, our public policy must make it easier for loving and longing mothers and fathers to have children.

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.

Therefore, to support American families, it is the policy of my Administration to ensure reliable access to IVF treatment, including by easing unnecessary statutory or regulatory burdens to make IVF treatment drastically more affordable.

Sec.2.

Lowering Costs and Reducing Barriers to IVF.

Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy shall submit to the President a list of policy recommendations on protecting IVF access and aggressively reducing out-of-pocket and health plan costs for IVF treatment.

Sec.3.

General Provisions.

(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

© This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.