Family Research Council President Tony Perkins has responded to the Trump administration’s new executive order, “Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization,” which was issued on February 18. The executive order aims to increase the availability of IVF treatments in response to rising infertility rates in the United States.
Perkins acknowledged the significance of children born through IVF, stating, “The several million babies born as the result of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) are an incredible blessing to their families and to our society. Their lives have incalculable worth and value, as each is made in God’s image. While we celebrate the blessing of these children’s lives, we must also acknowledge that millions more lives have been lost as the result of human life being made in a laboratory. Countless embryos–human beings with incalculable dignity and worth–did not survive the IVF process, were left to an uncertain fate in the freezer, or were simply discarded. Viewed through both the lens of faith and science alike, each embryo represents an early stage of human development — unique individuals deserving of our respect and protection.”
He expressed concern about ethical issues associated with assisted reproductive technologies: “The creation of a marketplace for human gametes has transformed the gift of life into a transaction, severing the natural connection between parents and children, and creating an opening for human exploitation. Children are gifts from God, not commodities; and in upholding that truth, we also affirm the importance of careful scientific and ethical oversight to protect these lives at their most vulnerable stages.”
According to Perkins, regulation over assisted reproductive technologies varies by state in the U.S., with some international efforts offering more comprehensive protections for families involved in IVF procedures. He noted that oversight remains limited overall.
Perkins also highlighted that IVF does not address underlying medical causes of infertility but circumvents them instead. He cited data suggesting only about a quarter of families who try IVF succeed in having a child, whereas therapies targeting root causes can achieve higher success rates.
“As the president’s team makes policy recommendations, my hope is that the Trump administration continues its proven track record of protecting the most vulnerable among us and respecting the dignity of all people–including the unborn, who are so often treated as disposable,” Perkins said.
He concluded by expressing willingness for collaboration: “The Trump administration can address the infertility crisis in America in a way that is morally and scientifically sound, enabling many more Americans to experience the beautiful gift of children. Family Research Council looks forward to working with the Trump administration and Congress to shape policies based upon the best practices — both nationally and internationally – to address infertility in a way that honors God and the gift of life He has given us.”
