Buttigieg Urges Democrats to Support Trump’s IVF Coverage Pledge

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has urged Democrats to adopt President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to mandate insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, calling it sound policy and a genuinely pro-family stance. Buttigieg emphasized that affordability and access to fertility care should not be barriers for families and noted that cost and access issues are "artificial" obstacles policymakers must address. Despite Trump's 2024 campaign pledge and a 2025 executive order aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs for IVF, a Washington Post investigation found the White House lacks a concrete plan to mandate such coverage. The White House has defended ongoing efforts to expand IVF access, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson affirming the administration's commitment to delivering on the pledge. Nationwide, only 19 states require some fertility treatment coverage, leaving many families to face expensive treatment costs averaging $12,000 to $15,000 per IVF cycle, causing delays or abandonment of parenthood plans. Buttigieg's call highlights a rare bipartisan issue focused on helping families overcome financial and access hurdles to fertility care.