Trump’s latest executive order to reduce the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has sparked intense debate, with pro-life conservatives and anti-abortion activists calling it a betrayal of the movement. The order doesn’t directly change costs but instructs federal agencies to craft policies that will lower out-of-pocket expenses for families seeking fertility treatments.
Trump, addressing the issue at a press conference, defended the move as a way to help families. “I’ve been saying we’re going to do what we have to do,” he said. “I think the women and families [and] husbands are very appreciative of it.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the order pushes for policy recommendations aimed at protecting access to IVF while lowering associated costs.
The backlash from pro-life groups was swift and severe. Critics argue that IVF is fundamentally at odds with the pro-life movement, as the process often involves the destruction of embryos. Live Action’s Lila Rose highlighted that only 7% of embryos created through IVF result in a live birth, with the remaining embryos either frozen indefinitely, discarded, or miscarried. Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins called the IVF industry “disturbing,” accusing it of exploiting desperate families and promoting eugenics.
BREAKING:
President Trump just signed an order expanding IVF
Only 7% of human embryos created via IVF will result in a live birth
93% of these lives are frozen indefinitely, miscarried, or aborted
Over 1,000,000 embryos are frozen in the U.S.
IVF is NOT pro-life
— Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) February 18, 2025
Catholic philosopher Edward Feser warned pro-life Trump supporters against hypocrisy, saying they wouldn’t tolerate such a move from a Democrat.
There should be no funding for it whatsoever, and no Trump supporter who would fail vigorously to resist such a move can claim to be genuinely pro-life. More human embryos are destroyed during the IVF process than through abortion: https://t.co/c7m75LoSBQ https://t.co/Bfrp4ZbJGc
— Edward Feser (@FeserEdward) February 18, 2025
Ben Zeisloft of The Republic echoed the concern, pointing out that for every child born through IVF, multiple embryos are discarded. Seth Gruber of White Rose Resistance condemned the move, claiming the fertility industry “kills more innocent lives than the abortion industry.”
IVF IS NOT PRO-LIFE! Trump cannot say he is the most pro-life president in history while also expanding access to IVF. Big fertility kills MORE innocent lives than the abortion industry. Let that sink in.
Make your voices heard and let Trump know we DO NOT support this! pic.twitter.com/dyJMy0ee7e
— Seth Gruber (@sgruber91) February 18, 2025
Despite the backlash, the order stands, with Trump’s Domestic Policy Council expected to present a roadmap for lowering IVF costs within 90 days.
