Republican presidential running mate Sen. JD Vance faced tough questions about former President Donald Trump’s plan to require the government or private insurers to cover the cost of in vitro fertilization treatments. Vance offered few specifics when asked about how Trump would pay for this policy. Trump unveiled the IVF policy during a campaign event in Michigan, stating that the government or insurers would cover all costs associated with IVF treatments. IVF can cost between $15,000 to over $30,000 per cycle, making it unaffordable for many. The plan would lead to nearly $8 billion in annual costs for taxpayers or private insurers.
Trump’s embrace of IVF as a policy platform is seen as an effort to court voters, particularly women, concerned about reproductive rights. Recent polls show Harris leading Trump among women voters, reflecting a broader shift following the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022. Since then, 22 states have enacted abortion bans or restrictions beyond the previous standard under Roe. Trump has taken credit for ending Roe and has attempted to distance himself from states strengthening abortion restrictions post-Dobbs. The Harris campaign warns of a possible nationwide abortion ban under a second Trump term.
The clash over reproductive rights intensified in February when an Alabama Supreme Court ruling raised concerns about IVF services in the state. Democrats linked this development to Trump, who urged Alabama to preserve IVF access. Vance faced questions about how Trump’s federally mandated IVF funding plan would work if a state chose to ban IVF. He dismissed the scenario as hypothetical, stating that Alabama has protected fertility access. Florida’s Amendment 4, extending abortion rights up to fetal viability, drew controversy, with Trump expressing support for more than six weeks of access to legalized abortions.
Questions about Trump’s position on abortion and reproductive rights have sparked criticism and condemnation from anti-abortion advocates. Marjorie Dannenfelser of SBA Pro-Life America criticized Trump’s comments on Amendment 4, linking it to China and Harris’ abortion policies. Trump’s campaign sought to clarify his stance, stating that he believes six weeks is too short but has not yet decided on how he will vote on Amendment 4. Vance defended Trump’s consistency on abortion issues but emphasized that Trump has not finalized his position on the Florida ballot initiative. The broader debate over reproductive rights continues to be a contentious issue in the political landscape.
