Donald Trump has promised to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) free for all women and criticized an abortion law in Florida that prohibits abortions after six weeks. This move is part of Trump’s strategy to reposition himself as an advocate for reproductive rights.
During a campaign event on Thursday in Potterville, Michigan, Trump stated that as president, he would require the government or insurance companies to cover all costs associated with IVF. “Because we want more babies, to put it nicely,” Trump told his supporters. He added that IVF treatments are very expensive, making it difficult for many individuals to access them. Trump claimed he has always been a supporter of IVF but did not explain how he would finance these plans.
As part of his campaign, Trump also suggested that new parents should be able to deduct “significant expenses related to newborns” from their taxes if he is reelected.
In an interview with NBC News earlier on Thursday, Trump criticized the six-week abortion limit enacted by Florida’s Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis, stating that the time frame is “too short” and that there should be “more time” available. Trump also implied that he would support an upcoming proposal in Florida aimed at guaranteeing the right to an abortion until fetal viability. However, it was later revealed that his campaign advisor did not clarify whether he would endorse the proposal.
Trump’s comments come at a time when he is attempting to moderate the Republican Party’s image regarding access to reproductive services, which is often viewed as a liability among female voters.
Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, has repeatedly accused Trump of being a threat to women’s rights, including access to abortion, contraceptives, and fertility treatments. During a speech in Georgia, Harris expressed concern that Trump would sign a national abortion ban if elected president again. “When Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom, I will proudly sign it as President of the United States,” she stated.
Senator JD Vance, who is a close ally of Trump, said on Saturday to NBC News that Trump would veto a national abortion ban if it were to reach his desk from Congress.
Polls indicate that Trump has lost support among female voters since Harris became the Democratic opponent. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Thursday, Harris now leads by 13 percentage points among women, up from a nine-point lead in July. While Trump’s attempts to present a moderate image on reproductive issues could enhance his appeal, he risks alienating religious and anti-abortion voters, who represent a significant part of the Republican base.
“This is an issue for Trump, as he week by week is making his stance on abortion more liberal, undermining his pro-life supporters and causing them to feel that he will not take a stand,” wrote Michael Brendan Dougherty, a writer for the conservative National Review, in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday.