Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization
This presidential order addresses the high cost and limited access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
It declares it the administration's policy to improve access to IVF and reduce its cost, directing the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to submit policy recommendations within 90 days to achieve this goal.
The order also includes standard clauses protecting existing agency authority and stating that it does not create any new legal rights.
Arguments For
Intended Benefits: Increased access to IVF treatment for couples struggling with infertility, leading to improved family formation opportunities and reduced emotional and financial strain.
Evidence Cited: The order acknowledges the high cost of IVF treatment and the significant number of couples facing infertility challenges.
Implementation Methods: The directive calls for a review of policies to identify and eliminate barriers to IVF access and affordability, followed by the submission of policy recommendations within 90 days.
Legal/Historical Basis: The order cites the President's authority granted by the Constitution and the laws of the United States.
Arguments Against
Potential Impacts: Unforeseen consequences of policy changes aimed at reducing IVF costs, such as unintended effects on insurance coverage or the quality of IVF services.
Implementation Challenges: Difficulty in identifying and removing all regulatory barriers to IVF access and affordability, and potential pushback from stakeholders.
Alternative Approaches: Exploring alternative approaches to address infertility, such as improved access to less expensive fertility treatments or increased funding for research into reproductive health.
Unintended Effects: Potential increase in demand for IVF services leading to longer wait times and increased strain on healthcare resources.
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.
This section establishes the order's objective: to improve access to and affordability of in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
It highlights the challenges faced by infertile couples—high costs and emotional distress—and declares the administration's commitment to supporting family formation through policy changes that make IVF more accessible and 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.
This section outlines the action plan.
The Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy is tasked with delivering policy recommendations within 90 days to enhance IVF access and lower costs for patients.
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.
(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.
This section includes standard legal provisions.
Subsection (a) ensures the order doesn't override existing legal authorities of government bodies.
Subsection (b) clarifies implementation will adhere to existing law and available funding.
Subsection (c) is a standard disclaimer indicating the order does not create any legally actionable rights.