Could Trump’s Executive Order on IVF Offer Hope for Black Women Facing Infertility?

Federal laws and orders, as well as congressional policies, significantly shape the lives of Black Americans.  The Trump administration’s crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has triggered negative reactions and garnered substantial media attention. Reports often indicate that these actions could have profound implications for Black communities. But what about policies that could actually benefit people of color? While President Donald Trump has received a lot of flak for recent moves since taking office in late January, one health initiative he has taken action on could increase access to affordable infertility treatments and a type of assisted reproductive technology to help those struggling to conceive children. Black women have faced more issues having children compared to their white counterparts. There is also male factor infertility, affecting about 10 to 15 percent of men trying to impregnate a woman nationwide, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Trump signed a recent executive order to find ways to lower the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF), a medical procedure that helps people facing infertility build their families.  “Many hopeful couples dream of starting a family, but as many as one in seven are unable to conceive a child,” the order says. “Despite...