Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization
Signed: February 18, 2025
Published: February 24, 2025
Document Number: 2025-03064
📋Summary
This executive order sets a policy goal of ensuring reliable access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and making IVF treatment more affordable by reducing unnecessary legal or regulatory barriers. It mainly affects people seeking IVF, as well as federal policymakers and agencies involved in health and family-related policy. Within 90 days, the President’s Domestic Policy Advisor must deliver recommendations to protect access to IVF and to lower what patients pay out of pocket and what health plans pay for IVF treatment. It does not itself change insurance coverage or create a legal right to IVF, and it must be carried out within existing law and available funding.
💼Business Impact
This order most directly affects fertility clinics/IVF labs, OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinology practices, health insurers/TPAs, and large employers that sponsor health plans—because it signals upcoming federal recommendations aimed at cutting patient out-of-pocket costs and reducing “unnecessary” regulatory barriers. While it doesn’t create immediate new legal requirements, it creates a near-term opportunity (and competitive pressure) for payers and employers to expand IVF coverage, negotiate bundled IVF pricing, and strengthen fertility benefits to attract/retain talent. Businesses should immediately (1) model the cost impact of adding or enhancing IVF benefits (including pharmacy and multiple-cycle coverage), (2) engage brokers/TPAs and fertility benefit managers to explore network and pricing options, and (3) clinics should prepare for demand growth by reviewing capacity, financing options, and compliance posture in case federal agencies propose changes within the 90-day recommendation window.
Full Text
Executive Order 14216 of February 18, 2025
Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1 . 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.
( printed page 10452)(c) 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 WHITE HOUSE,
February 18, 2025.