Since his inauguration, President Donald Trump has utilized the power of executive orders. From changing names to immigration policy, Americans are seeing actions unfold in an immediate manner through his orders. However, one recent executive order lacked the same urgency.
On Feb. 18, Trump signed an executive order titled “Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization,” which included goals surrounding lowering costs and breaking down barriers that prevent access to IVF. Although the basis of the statement-like order is beneficial for a change, it is merely performative – resulting in confusion and a lack of needed support for IVF.
IVF is a procedure that fertilizes an egg and a sperm outside of the body, and then that embryo is transferred to the uterus where it may attach to the lining – causing pregnancy. With several steps that can involve medications and multiple trials, the process is long but invaluable for many Americans.
9% of men and 11% of women in the United States experience fertility problems at some point once they are of reproductive age, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
IVF responds to infertility issues and changes lives for those who, without it, wouldn’t be able to have children. According to Yale Medicine, “IVF has been used successfully for over four decades. Over 10 million babies have been born from IVF around the world. Today, there are over 500,000 IVF deliveries every year worldwide.”
This advanced procedure comes with an unfortunate price tag that is out-of-reach for many. The executive order noted that each cycle can cost around $12,000 to $25,000 – with many patients needing more than one cycle. As a result, access to IVF is rarely concerned with its legality, but rather its price.
On the campaign trail, Trump promised to mandate that the government or insurance companies pay for IVF treatments. This surprising notion from Trump displays that the importance of IVF holds up across party lines. He even continued to support IVF after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos are considered children – striking concerns related to fertility treatments without the protections of Roe v. Wade.
In natural fashion, Trump’s executive order did not hold these same notions or sense of urgency he once had. The end of the order says, “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.”
The order weakly asks for policy recommendations within 90 days, though Congress could pass a bill or a more demanding executive order could be signed. The seemingly performative nature of the order likely leaves IVF patients and providers confused and concerned for the future.
There is still potential to bring concrete change to the future of IVF access for the millions of Americans who benefit from it each year; however, promises regarding lowering prices should have been enacted through Trump’s recent executive order. The power to change the lives of families with infertility issues is in his hands.
Layne Rey is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
