BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Trump administration is working to expand access to in vitro fertilization across the country.
Last week, the president signed an executive order that aims to lower the cost of IVF treatment.
CBS 42 spoke with the founder of an organization dedicated to keeping IVF accessible in Alabama. She says the executive order is a major step in the right direction and is hopeful for the future.
“Fertilization is very important. I have been saying, what are going to do, what we have to do, and the women and families and husbands are very appreciative of it,” President Trump stated.
What President Trump is doing is finding ways to lower the cost of IVF treatment, which is something that Corrine O'Brien, founder of Fight for Alabama Families, says is desperately needed.
“The cost of IVF is incredibly expensive, anywhere from $12,000 upwards of $25,000, potentially out of pocket, so the fact that they're, you know, they're looking into how much we reduce cost, we get more insurance companies to cover this, is incredibly meaningful for our family,” O’Brien said.
Not everyone in the state feels the same way as O’Brien. Alabama Eagle Forum, a conservative advocacy group, released a statement citing the 2024 Alabama Supreme Court ruling that stated embryos are considered children.
“Eagle Forum believes that life begins at conception, thus the creation of embryos produces a human life," the statement read. "The vast majority of embryos created through the IVF process are destroyed through intentional or negligent actions.”
According to the White House, the recommendations will focus on how to ensure reliable access to IVF. Priority will also be placed on addressing any current policies, including those that require legislation, that raise the cost of IVF treatments.