Key Details & Emerging Questions from the White House's IVF Announcement
On October 16, 2025, the White House announced a federal initiative aimed at reducing the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and expanding access for employer-offered fertility benefits. The announcement included a drug-pricing agreement with the pharmaceutical company, EMD Serono, and new guidance from the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Treasury intended to facilitate employer-based fertility benefit programs.
While the administration framed the initiative as a breakthrough for affordability, key details regarding implementation, scope, and equity remain unresolved.
Key Details of the Announcement
- The administration announced an agreement with EMD Serono to provide substantial discounts off list prices, reportedly up to 84%, on select IVF-related medications, such as Gonal-f, Ovidrel, and Cetrotide. These discounts will be made available through a new federal purchasing platform called “TrumpRx,” set to launch in early 2026. They may also be available through other specialty pharmacies.
- While full and final regulatory language is pending, the DOL, HHS, and Treasury issued joint guidance clarifying that employers may offer fertility benefits as certain types of excepted benefits, and stated their intention to propose rulemaking expand pathways for employers to offer coverage.
- The guidance does not require employers to cover IVF or related services. Rather, the administration has established new opt-in, voluntary pathways for employers to offer fertility benefits.
- No changes were announced creating direct federal insurance mandates or direct subsidies for IVF.
- This initiative has no impact on existing state coverage mandates. Federal guidance on benefits or federal drug purchases does not preempt state statutes or court decisions.
Legal Considerations
- Classifying fertility coverage as an “excepted benefit” could ease administrative barriers but may also reduce Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) consumer protections. Plans classified as excepted benefits are exempt from certain federal requirements, such as prohibitions on annual or lifetime dollar limits.
- Official details of this change in policy have not been finalized. Standard procedure, under the federal Administrative Procedures Act (APA), calls for agencies to open a formal notice and comment period prior to releasing final regulations. The notice and comment period is typically open for 90 days, meaning this entire process may take several months.
Clinical and Patient Considerations
- The cost of medication is only one component of the IVF procedure. Limited discounts on these drugs do not significantly reduce the overall cost of IVF, which typically includes procedural and laboratory expenses.
- These benefits are most likely to assist individuals with employer-sponsored coverage. Nothing in this plan constitutes coverage for Medicaid or TRICARE recipients, nor uninsured individuals.
- Policy language permitting employers to design benefits consistent with their values with maximum flexibility raises concerns regarding potential exclusionary policies based on family type, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other factors that may lead to the exclusion of IVF under insurance plans.
Next Steps
ASRM supports all efforts to improve affordability and access to safe, evidence-based fertility and reproductive health care. However, discounted medications and voluntary employer benefits are not substitutes for comprehensive, required coverage. Sustainable and equitable access requires policies that extend beyond employer markets and address the full continuum of reproductive health needs.
ASRM is actively monitoring this matter and will continue to provide timely updates and alerts for stakeholders.
Resources For You
Advocacy Resources
ASRM has prepared resources to help you explain and advocate for reproductive rights and the continuation of in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
ASRM's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provides answers to common questions about reproductive health.
Patient Journeys
ASRM has resources and publications to help you through each stage of your journey.
State and Territory Infertility Insurance Laws
One way that ASRM works to improve access to fertility care is by advocating for insurance coverage for reproductive medicine care. All patients should have access to the care they need.
Fact Sheets and Infographics
ASRM produces a series of fact sheets and booklets on various topics related to infertility, reproductive health, and family planning. The fact sheets and booklets are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Reproductive Rights and You
The Dobbs decision has sparked a litany of changes in state laws across the nation, and more are expected. We need your help!
Reproductive Topics
Find all the resources on a specific topic compiled onto a single page.
SART Fertility Experts Podcast
An educational project of ASRM's affiliated society, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), this series is designed to provide up to date information about a variety of topics related to fertility testing and treatment such as IVF.
Patient Education Videos
ASRM and its affiliated society SART have made several videos to explain the sometimes difficult topics related to reproductive medicine.
Terms and Definitions
Find explanations for the meaning behind the doctor-speak you hear when trying to research reproductive medicine topics. ASRM has defined the most popular terms in easy to understand language.
Patient Stories
Read real-life stories from patients who have faced reproductive medicine challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
Fertility in the News
ASRM Press Releases and Bulletins are published by ASRM's Office of Public Affairs to inform the world about important happenings in reproductive medicine and at ASRM.
More Reproductive RIghts Resources
Find a Health Professional
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Key Abstracts Presented at the ASRM 2025 Scientific Congress & Expo
ASRM 2025 reveals support for IVF access, wildfire smoke's fertility risks, and how insurance mandates improve outcomes in reproductive health care.
Fertility and Sterility Publishes Editorial Exploring the Origins of “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” and Why Modern Fertility Care Must Remain Comprehensive
Restorative reproductive medicine overlooks IVF, male-factor care, and the need for full-spectrum fertility treatment using modern technologies.
Key Details & Emerging Questions from the White House's IVF Announcement
White House IVF initiative offers deep discounts on fertility drugs and new employer‑benefit pathways, though full coverage and equity gaps remain. View the advocacy resource
Fertility and Sterility Publishes New Research Underscoring Importance of IVF, Fertility Preservation Access for Cancer Patients During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
New ASRM‑supported research highlights key IVF and fertility preservation access needs for cancer patients — particularly during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine Reacts to White House Announcement on IVF Coverage
ASRM applauds the White House’s first steps toward IVF access but underscores that true equity demands mandatory insurance coverage.
SART Fertility Experts - IVF & Religion with Dr. Kelly Lynch and Dr. Bill Petok
Explore how major religions view IVF with Kelly Lynch, MD, and insights from Bill Petok, PhD, on balancing faith, fertility, and family building. Listen to the Episode
ASRM PRIMED Cohort Members—Including Physicians, Providers, and Experts—Meet with Congressional Offices to Advocate for IVF Access & Educate About Realities of Restorative Reproductive Medicine
ASRM PRIMED cohort meets Congress to push for IVF access, clarify risks of restorative reproductive medicine, and defend science‑based fertility care.
ASRM Hosts Capitol Hill Briefing for Policymakers & Congressional Staff to Hear From Providers & Patients About Importance of IVF Access, Realities and Limitations of Restorative Reproductive Medicine
ASRM briefing united lawmakers, physicians & patients on IVF access, exposing RRM limits and urging policies to expand fertility care options.
SRS Warns Against Limiting Access to IVF Under the Guise of “Restorative” Care
SRS, an ASRM affiliate, advocates evidence-based reproductive surgery and full-spectrum fertility care for conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and PCOS.
Fertility and Sterility Publishes Editorial Piece on How Restorative Reproductive Medicine Violates Reproductive Autonomy and Informed Consent
Editorial in Fertility and Sterility warns that Restorative Reproductive Medicine spreads stigma, delays care, and undermines IVF and patient autonomy.
F&S Reports Publishes Editorial Piece on the Unscientific Nature of the Arguments for “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” and Why We Need to Understand Them
F&S Reports editorial critiques “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” as unscientific, faith-driven, and a threat to evidence-based IVF care and reproductive rights.
SART Fertility Experts - Technology in ART & IVF
Explore the latest IVF technologies, from AI for embryo selection to vitrification, balancing innovation with compassionate patient care in fertility treatment. Listen to the Episode
Fertility & Sterility Publishes New Study Validating IVF Data Accuracy of a National Commercial Claims Database, Comparable with National IVF Registries
New study validates IVF data from commercial claims database, supporting its use by policymakers, employers, and researchers in expanding IVF coverage.
ASRM Statement on Palm Springs Bombing
ASRM condemns the Palm Springs bombing, stands with victims, and urges action to protect healthcare providers from violence and harassment.
ASRM Center for Policy & Leadership Releases Fact Sheet on Misleading Terminology, “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” and "Ethical IVF"
ASRM exposes how terms like “RRM” and “ethical IVF” mislead and restrict IVF access, urging science-based policies that support all paths to family building.
Just the Facts: “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” and “Ethical IVF” are Misleading Terms That Threaten Access
Terms like “restorative reproductive medicine” and “ethical IVF” mislead and restrict access to proven fertility care like IVF. Evidence must guide policy. View the advocacy resource
SART Fertility Experts - Surgery Before IVF Egg Retrieval and/or Embryo Transfer
Expert insights on surgery before IVF, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. Learn how procedures like fibroid removal and tubal surgery impact fertility success. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Egg Retrieval: What is it REALLY like?
Learn about egg retrieval, preparation, procedure, recovery, and risks with fertility experts Dr. Susan Nasab and Dr. Dan Williams on the SART Fertility Experts Podcast. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - PGT-A and Mosaicism
Explore PGT-A, a genetic screening test for embryos, discussing its role in IVF, accuracy, candidates, mosaicism, and the future of fertility treatments. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Vanquishing Multiples
Learn how a variety of factors such as geography, race, and the availability of comprehensive infertility mandates affect access to effective infertility treatment. Listen to the Episode
Advocacy in Action
Join the ASRM Advocacy in Action campaign by making a tax-deductible charitable gift Be part of Advocacy in Action
SART Fertility Experts - Global Access to IVF and the Status of Women
Around the world, there are vast differences in the number of IVF cycles performed per capita. Learn why these differences exist. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Implantation Failure
"I can get pregnant, but I can't stay pregnant," is echoed by patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Navigating IVF as a Couple
Mary Casey Jacob, PhD is interviewed by Dr. Daniel Grow, and together they explore the emotional and practical support that couples need. Listen to the Episode
Fertility Rights and Responsibilities
Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact Sheet
What is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?
In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. View the fact sheet
Hydrosalpinx
The fallopian tubes are attached to the uterus (womb) on the left and right sides. View the Fact Sheet
In vitro fertilization (IVF): what are the risks?
IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. View the fact sheet
Progesterone supplementation during IVF
Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovary. View the fact sheet
Side effects of injectable fertility drugs (gonadotropins)
Gonadotropins are fertility medications given by injection that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) alone or combined with luteinizing hormone (LH). View the fact sheet
What do I need to know about conceiving after surgery on my Fallopian tubes?
Fallopian tubes connect the ovary (where the eggs are stored and grow) to the uterus (womb), where the fertilized egg develops into a baby (fetus). View the fact sheet
Destekli Çatlatma (Assisted Hatching)
Destekli çatlatma, bazen in vitro fertilizasyon (IVF) tedavisi ile birlikte insan erken embriyolarına uygulanan bir laboratuvar prosedürüdür. View the fact sheet
In vitro fertilizasyon (IVF)
IVF, bir erkeğin spermi ve bir kadının yumurtalarının vücut dışında bir laboratuvar kabında birleştirildiği yardımcı üreme yöntemidir. View the fact sheet
İn Vitro Maturasyon (IVM)
İn vitro maturasyon (IVM), yumurtaların vücut dışında toplanıp olgunlaştırılması işlemidi. View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Candace discusses her experience with infertility, IVF, multiple pregnancy losses and ultimately a successful delivery with Dr. Julia Woodward.Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Infertility Advocacy and Government Affairs
In today's episode, Dr. Mark Trolice interviews Sean Tipton about the fact that many infertility patients do not have insurance coverage for treatment. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Behind the Scenes in the IVF Lab
Dr. Sangita Jindal, helps patients understand the importance of the IVF lab when choosing an IVF program. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Your Infertility Nurse: Partner in Your Care
Infertility nurse practitioner and health coach Monica Moore explains the essential role of the infertility nurse in the IVF process. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Genetics and IVF
Genetics is a significant part of advanced reproductive technology screening. Listen to the Episode
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Fertility and LGBTQ
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Grow interviews Dr. Mark Leondires, the founder of Gay Parents To Be. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - What is an REI?
These experts in infertility lead IVF programs, perform reproductive surgery, and perform research to enhance the field of reproductive medicine. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - What is IVF?
In this episode, we discuss the ins-and-outs of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Listen to the Episode
Start with SART
The very first thing you should do when evaluating a clinic is verify that it is a member of SART. Watch Video
Preparing for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Lifestyle Factors
This SART micro-video discusses lifestyle factors that may affect in vitro fertilization, or IVF, outcomes. Watch Video
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (booklet)
This booklet will help you understand in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) that have become accepted medical treatments for infertility. View the Booklet
The Difference Between IUI and IVF
It is important to know Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or In vitro fertilization (IVF) can both be successful at helping grow your family. Watch Video
Understanding the SART Clinic Report
During this video we will discuss the SART Clinic Report concepts and demonstrate some of the report features. Watch Video
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
SART FAQ About IVF
Created by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) the following are answers to frequently asked questions concerning in vitro fertilization (IVF). Learn the facts
Kristen Ritchie's Story
I spent seven years navigating infertility, which was tumultuous but also a period of tremendous personal growth in hindsight. Read the story
It takes more than one
Why IVF patients often need multiple embryos to have a baby View the advocacy resource
What support for IVF looks like
Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resource
Oversight of IVF in the US
In the US, medical care is regulated by a complex and comprehensive network of federal and state regulations and professional oversight. View the advocacy resource
Just the Facts: IVF Policy Priorities
ASRM advocates for expanded IVF access, urging policy solutions that prioritize patient care, inclusivity, and medical decision-making free from political interference. View the advocacy resource
Just the Facts: The Safety of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is a safe, proven medical procedure with extensive research backing. Though risks exist, advancements and strict monitoring ensure most IVF babies are healthy. View the advocacy resource
In Vitro Fertilization Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of in vitro fertilization (IVF) better. View the infographics
IVF Treatment Journey
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process in which an egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish to facilitate fertilization.
View the Patient Journey
