News & Blog
White House Executive Order Update: What we know, what we don’t know, and what’s next
By: Barbara Collura
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the White House released an Executive Order (EO) titled “Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization.” Since the release of the EO, RESOLVE has received questions and concerns from our community. Let’s break down what we know, what we don’t know, and what’s next.
What does this Executive Order do?
The Executive Order is very simple and only does one thing: It asks the Deputy Domestic Policy Advisor to make policy recommendations within 90 days on “protecting IVF access and aggressively reducing out-of-pocket and health plan costs for IVF treatment.” That’s it.
What does this Executive Order NOT do?
The Executive Order does not mandate that insurance plans cover IVF. It does not specifically call out who will and won’t benefit from any possible policy changes. And it does not say who will pay for any changes to insurance coverage for IVF. The EO itself does not fulfill the campaign promise of making IVF free.
What is due in 90 Days? Is RESOLVE involved?
The EO asks for “Policy Recommendations on protecting IVF access and aggressively reducing out-of-pocket and health plan costs for IVF treatment,” and to provide those recommendations “within 90 days.” We have no other information, nor can we make any assumptions of what those could be. However, we know what great policy and great benefits look like. We hope the Administration determines the importance of the patient voice and takes our resources into consideration as they work to develop their policy recommendations. RESOLVE has not been contacted by the White House as of 2/20/2025.
What’s the difference between an Executive Order and a mandate?
An Executive Order sets an intention that something is a priority for the administration. A mandate is a law to change a current policy. Nothing has changed regarding the status of insurance coverage for IVF. And IVF is still legal and available throughout the country.
Why should I believe this Executive Order will change anything?
We understand this feeling. It’s hard to reconcile this issue with other issues happening in the country. RESOLVE does not pretend to think that this Executive Order will change anything because it was not written in a way that promises change. The change could come AFTER the recommendations. What is possible though, is that the federal government – and Congress – can protect IVF and they can expand insurance coverage for IVF. These are issues we’ve been advocating for years, regardless of who is in the White House or who controls Congress. We absolutely see a path forward where Congress can pass IVF protections and Congress can pass laws expanding access to IVF. We also know that the Administration can take positive action now on expanding access to IVF for our military, Veterans, federal employees, and via changes to the Affordable Care Act. We see a path forward beyond an Executive Order for changes in protecting and expanding access to IVF that would be meaningful.
Does RESOLVE support the Trump administration?
RESOLVE is a 501 (c)(3) non-partisan non-profit and does not support any candidates, politicians, or people currently holding office. We do work with all lawmakers and government officials at all levels of state and federal government to ensure the patient voice is heard. Our eyes are wide open and aware of the politics associated with our issues and we are always laser focused on what’s best for the patient.
What does great insurance coverage look like according to RESOLVE?
Insurance coverage that covers everyone who needs help building their family and that coverage prioritizes the best treatment outcomes is very important to RESOLVE. We have created model benefits that are based on the ASRM definition of infertility and focused on all aspects of family building.
What’s next? What can I do?
Stay connected. RESOLVE is working with like-minded organizations like ASRM and others to ensure the patient voice is heard. Register for federal Advocacy Day, May 20th, which RESOLVE hosts in partnership with ASRM. This event is happening right at the 90-day mark for the EO recommendations—we need to share our stories with Congress to make sure they understand why we need to expand access to care and what great insurance coverage and inclusive access to care looks like. This is a virtual event, and we do everything to get you prepared for a productive and empowering day. The event is open to all – patients, providers, professionals, family members and partner organizations. Join us!
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