Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization
February 18, 2025
Action Summary
- Purpose and Policy: Recognizes the challenges many couples face with infertility, emphasizing the importance of easing access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to support family formation.
- IVF Accessibility and Affordability: Highlights the high cost of IVF treatment (ranging from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle) and the need for affordable, reliable access to these fertility services.
- Policy Recommendation Timeline: Directs the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to provide a list of recommendations within 90 days aimed at lowering out-of-pocket expenses and reducing regulatory barriers to IVF.
- General Provisions: Clarifies that the order does not interfere with the existing authority of executive departments, the functions of the Office of Management and Budget, or create any enforceable rights against the government.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order aims to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) more accessible and affordable, which could lead to increased demand for fertility-related services and research. This may present opportunities for institutions with strong medical and health programs.
- There is a potential risk that the focus on reducing costs and regulatory burdens could lead to changes in healthcare regulations that might affect research funding and healthcare delivery models.
- The implementation of this order depends on the availability of federal funds and the cooperation of healthcare providers. Any delays or disagreements in these areas could impact the effectiveness of the proposed initiatives.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in healthcare policy could affect its medical programs, particularly in terms of research opportunities and partnerships with healthcare providers.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center could see increased demand for expertise in fertility treatments and research, presenting opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies and healthcare providers.
- School of Medicine may need to adjust its curriculum and research focus to align with new healthcare policies and the increased emphasis on fertility treatments.
- The Office of Research could play a crucial role in securing funding for fertility-related research and ensuring compliance with new regulations.
- Vanderbilt’s partnerships with healthcare providers for clinical placements and research collaborations may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new healthcare policies.
Financial Impact
- The reallocation of federal funds towards making IVF more affordable could impact the funding landscape for healthcare research, potentially leading to increased opportunities for institutions with strong medical programs.
- Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize fertility research and healthcare innovation. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
- There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in fertility treatments and healthcare policy, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies.
- As IVF becomes more accessible, there could be a shift in the demographics of patients seeking treatment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, potentially affecting revenue and service delivery models.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics, with potential impacts on healthcare programs and research opportunities.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center should explore partnerships with healthcare providers and insurance companies to offer more affordable IVF treatment options. By aligning with the executive order’s goal of reducing costs and barriers, the medical center can enhance its reproductive health services and support for families facing infertility challenges.
- The Department of Health Policy should conduct research on the impact of reduced IVF costs on family planning and demographics. This research can provide valuable insights into how policy changes affect access to fertility treatments and inform future healthcare strategies.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor the development of policy recommendations related to IVF access. Engaging with policymakers and stakeholders can position the university as a leader in advocating for accessible and affordable reproductive health services.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine to expand its research and development in reproductive health technologies. By leveraging its expertise, the school can contribute to innovations in IVF treatments and potentially influence national healthcare policies.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on family formation by developing educational programs and workshops for healthcare professionals and the public. This could include training on the latest advancements in fertility treatments and support services for families navigating infertility.
- The emphasis on reducing regulatory burdens offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the law school can influence how regulations are shaped to support affordable and accessible IVF treatments.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents some adjustments needed to processes or procedures related to healthcare services and policy advocacy.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Within 90 days of February 18, 2025 – The Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy must submit the policy recommendations.
Relevance Score: 2
Impacted Government Organizations
- Executive Office of the President – Office of Domestic Policy: Tasked with developing policy recommendations to lower costs and reduce barriers to IVF treatment as directed by the order.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Referenced to ensure that any administrative or budgetary proposals adhere to statutory authority, thereby indirectly overseeing the implementation of the order.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are directly referenced, indicating minimal cross-agency impact.)
Responsible Officials
- Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy – Responsible for submitting a list of policy recommendations to the President on protecting access to IVF and reducing treatment costs within 90 days.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect a White House official with significant policy influence.)