Trump’s IVF Proposal Sparks Division Among MAGA Loyalists and Conservatives

Donald Trump’s recent proposal advocating for either the government or insurance companies to fund in vitro fertilization (IVF) has sparked considerable debate within the Republican party, as evident from contrasting viewpoints expressed by two GOP senators on Sunday.

Since the overturning of Roe in 2022, Trump has been attempting to navigate the shifting political landscape surrounding abortion with limited success. As he campaigns for the presidency in 2024, he frequently emphasizes his role in appointing Supreme Court justices who voted to eliminate federal abortion protections. Simultaneously, he is working to differentiate himself from the more extreme segments within the Republican party, particularly those pushing for a ban on IVF and other reproductive treatments, as well as the stricter proposals that seek to impose various restrictions on abortion throughout pregnancy.

In the past week, the former president made another overture aimed at this contentious issue.

Just moments before speaking at a rally in Potterville, Michigan, Trump addressed the IVF funding proposal. He put forward a plan mandating that insurance companies or the federal government cover the cost of IVF treatments for all Americans. Additionally, he opposed Florida’s current six-week abortion ban, suggesting that the restrictions come too early in a pregnancy.

However, Trump’s campaign staff later clarified that he does not support a forthcoming ballot measure in Florida aimed at enshrining abortion access in the state constitution.

These announcements drew sharp criticism from within his own ranks. Anti-abortion advocates and supporters of Florida’s conservative Governor Ron DeSantis rebuked Trump, accusing him of betrayal in their public statements and on social media platforms.

On that same Sunday, two Republican senators provided conflicting opinions regarding Trump’s IVF funding proposal during separate interviews on NBC and ABC, indicating growing divisions within the party as the general election approaches.

Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas, a MAGA populist, appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press and expressed his openness to Trump’s plan, asserting that “most Republicans” would also be receptive to it. He emphasized the need to assess the “fiscal impact” of such a proposal on taxpayers and its potential effects on insurance premiums.

Cotton also stated his understanding that no Republican in Congress opposes the legality of IVF, a claim that may not be entirely accurate. He noted that no state governments have rendered fertility care “unaccessible,” despite earlier attempts in Alabama that sought to extend personhood rights to unborn fetuses. Supporters of Project 2025, a conservative agenda linked to several former Trump administration officials, have been advocating for similar goals through the legal system.

“In principle, supporting couples using IVF or other fertility treatments isn’t controversial at all,” Cotton added.

Conversely, Lindsey Graham appeared on ABC’s This Week the same morning and flatly dismissed the idea of mandated funding for IVF. He characterized Trump’s statements as an expression of support for families seeking IVF, suggesting that a potential tax credit for IVF might be an acceptable compromise, but he firmly opposed requiring insurance companies to cover the costs directly. He mentioned that there could be a chance for Republicans to seek “common ground” with Democrats on the issue.

“I wouldn’t [support that] because there’s no end to that,” Graham explained. “I think a tax credit for children makes sense, means tested.”

Graham also defended the GOP against accusations of being anti-birth control or opposed to IVF treatments, asserting that the party’s focus should be on finding consensus.

Despite this divide, Graham remains a key proponent of efforts aimed at restricting abortion on a national level, contradictory to claims from Trump’s campaign. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, reinforced this opposition during his appearance on NBC as well.

Regardless of how GOP senators weigh in on funding IVF in the upcoming days or weeks, the Republican party must grapple with rising pressure from the anti-abortion right to grant personhood rights to fetuses through the courts. Many far-right advocates view the conservative majority in the Supreme Court—responsible for dismantling Roe v. Wade in 2022—as a strategic opportunity to pursue broader bans on abortion and even fertility treatments without relying on Congress.

The Harris campaign has continued to criticize Trump concerning abortion and IVF issues. Vice presidential nominee Tim Walz shared his own experiences with fertility treatments, as Democrats contend that Republicans are overstepping into personal healthcare choices.

“Donald Trump’s own platform could effectively ban IVF and abortion nationwide,” stated Sarafina Chitika, spokesperson for the Harris campaign. “Trump lies as much if not more than he breathes, but voters aren’t stupid. Because Trump overturned Roe v. Wade, IVF is already under attack, and women’s freedoms have been dismantled in states throughout the country. Only one candidate in this race trusts women and will protect our right to make healthcare decisions: Vice President Kamala Harris.”