Former US President Donald Trump took center stage on Thursday in Henderson, Nevada, where he rallied supporters and made a surprising statement about his role in the field of in vitro fertilization (IVF). In a move that drew immediate attention, Trump twice referred to himself as the ‘father of IVF,’ sparking a heated discussion within the national debate on reproductive rights.
During his rally, Trump declared, “I feel like I’m the father of IVF.” Later, he reiterated his claim, stating, “I’m like the father of IVF.” These comments, which came amidst a politically charged environment following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, ignited a wave of criticism from Democrats, who accused Trump of hypocrisy given his stance on reproductive rights.
The Harris campaign, in particular, took to social media to address Trump’s claims. They countered, “IVF is under threat across the country because Trump ended Roe v. Wade, and his Project 2025 plan could effectively ban IVF altogether.” The campaign’s post on X (formerly Twitter) directly tied Trump’s policies to the potential limitations on IVF access.
Trump, however, defended his position, dismissing the criticism as politically motivated misinformation. Addressing the Nevada crowd, he insisted that Democrats were misleading the public about his stance on IVF. He asserted his support for making IVF more accessible, advocating for government or insurance coverage to help families navigate the often exorbitant costs associated with the treatment.
The issue of IVF has become a focal point in the ongoing debate about reproductive health. The Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which removed federal protections for abortion, has significantly impacted the landscape of reproductive rights. Trump’s remarks on IVF and reproductive health have further amplified the growing tension between Trump and Democrats over the future of reproductive rights in the United States.
Interestingly, Trump’s claim of being the ‘father of IVF’ wasn’t a one-time event. On Tuesday, October 16, during a town hall event in Georgia hosted by Fox News, Trump again referred to himself as the “father of IVF.” Responding to a question from host Harris Faulkner, Trump stated, “I’m the father of IVF, so I want to hear this question.” He went on to claim that the Republican Party strongly supports IVF, stating, “We really are the party for IVF. We want fertilization, and it’s all the way, and the Democrats tried to attack us on it.” This reiteration of his claim adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing national conversation about IVF and reproductive rights.
