Should IVF Treatment Be Fully Covered?

Should IVF Treatment Be Fully Covered?

Here’s The Scoop

Former President Donald Trump has made a bold promise to the American people: if reelected, his administration will ensure that the federal government covers the costs of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. This announcement came during a rally in Potterville, Michigan, where Trump emphasized his commitment to pro-family policies.

“I’m announcing today in a major statement that under the Trump administration, your government will pay for, or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for, all costs associated with IVF treatment, fertilization for women,” Trump declared to an enthusiastic crowd.

“We want more babies, to put it very nicely, and for this same reason, we will also allow new parents to deduct major newborn expenses from their taxes. So that parents that have a beautiful baby will be able … so we’re pro-family. Nobody’s ever said that before. But the IVF treatments are expensive. It’s very hard for many people to do it and to get it.”

This move comes as the GOP navigates the complex political landscape following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Democrats have seized on fears of a potential IVF ban to attack Trump and the GOP, accusing them of anti-family policies. However, Republican lawmakers have shown their support for IVF by blocking Democrat-led legislation that would guarantee a woman’s right to IVF, while proposing their own measures to protect the procedure.

Trump’s stance on IVF represents a strategic effort to balance the desires of pro-life Republicans with the concerns of independents and swing state voters who oppose a federal abortion ban. His policy announcement in Michigan followed earlier previews with NBC News and the Detroit News, although details on funding the initiative remain unclear.

Last week, Trump continued to refine his position on reproductive matters, stating on Truth Social, “My Administration will be great for women and their reproductive rights.” This approach aims to appeal to a broader audience, including women who may have felt alienated by the GOP’s stance on abortion.

While some evangelical leaders have expressed temporary reservations, the pro-life movement remains steadfast. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, emphasized the enduring nature of the cause. “The cause is way bigger and younger than Donald Trump,” she wrote. “It will shape the GOP beyond this Trump moment. Nothing will deter this movement because it is about saving lives and truly serving women.”

Trump’s commitment to IVF was further elaborated during a town hall in Wisconsin with Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who shared her own IVF journey. Gabbard’s heartfelt story highlighted the emotional and financial challenges many couples face, reinforcing the importance of Trump’s proposed policy.

“And I’ve been seeing a lot of IVF, and I kept hearing that I’m against it, and I’m actually very much for it,” Trump stated. “In fact, in Alabama, where the judge ruled against it, and I countered the judge and came out with a very strong statement for it.”

The Harris campaign has predictably attacked Trump over his judicial appointments and their role in overturning Roe v. Wade. At the Democratic National Convention, abortion rights leaders urged support for Harris, citing her commitment to protecting reproductive rights.

Harris campaign spokeswoman Sarafina Chitika criticized Trump’s comments, claiming, “Donald Trump’s own platform could effectively ban IVF and abortion nationwide. Trump lies as much if not more than he breathes, but voters aren’t stupid. Because Trump overturned Roe v. Wade, IVF is already under attack and women’s freedoms have been ripped away in states across the country. There is only one candidate in this race who trusts women and will protect our freedom to make our own health care decisions: Vice President Kamala Harris.”

As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s bold stance on IVF and his broader pro-family policies are likely to resonate with many Americans who value life and family. His commitment to making IVF accessible could be a game-changer for countless families hoping to welcome new life into their homes.

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