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President Donald Trump has issued an executive order aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), a practice the Catholic Church criticizes for its impact on embryonic human life. The order, signed on February 18, directs policy recommendations to protect IVF access and reduce costs associated with such treatments.
The White House noted that IVF expenses, which are often not fully covered by insurance, can range from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle. Multiple cycles may be necessary for successful pregnancy. The executive order seeks to fulfill Trump's promises to American families and address declining fertility rates in the U.S., which have dropped as part of a global trend.
President Trump stated, "We want more babies, to put it very nicely." However, experts like Lyman Stone from the Institute for Family Studies caution that increased reproductive technology options may lead people to delay fertility without resulting in more births.
The Catholic Church opposes IVF due to ethical concerns and the destruction of embryos involved in the process. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that out of over 413,000 artificial reproductive technology cycles recorded in 2021, only 112,088 resulted in pregnancy with 97,128 babies born.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington addressed these issues in his pastoral letter titled "The Christian Family, In Vitro Fertilization and Heroic Witness to True Love." He highlighted threats posed by IVF including embryo destruction and impacts on family dynamics.
In response to Trump's executive order, Bishop Burbidge expressed disappointment stating it was "incompatible with the president’s evident support for the good of human life." He warned that it could promote IVF leading to abandonment or death of embryonic humans and involve taxpayers in moral injustices.
Pro-life advocates like Live Action president Lila Rose also criticized the proposal. She described it as "heartbreaking" on social media platforms stating that "IVF turns children into a product."
Gina Christian reports for OSV News. Follow her updates on X @GinaJesseReina.
