IVF at risk: Trump-era policies could force infertile couples abroad for treatment
Concerns over potential IVF restrictions in 2nd Trump administration
The transfer of power from the Biden to the Trump administration has put the spotlight on reproductive policies. While abortion has dominated the debate, any limits on in-vitro fertilization could impact hundreds of couples here in Washington State.
RENTON, Wash. - With just days until the transfer of power from the Biden administration to President-elect Donald Trump’s, debates surrounding reproductive rights are reigniting. On the campaign trail, Trump vowed to fund in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. Yet, Project 2025—a 900-page policy agenda—details plans to restrict reproductive freedoms, including abortion, birth control, and IVF.
For many, such policies could force prospective parents to seek IVF treatments abroad, a trend that doctors expect to rise if restrictions tighten in the United States.
IVF at stake in Washington:
In Washington state, IVF has brought hope to thousands. Recent data show that over 2,000 children were born in the state thanks to IVF. For families like the Seymours of Renton, IVF isn’t just a medical procedure; it’s a lifeline. If IVF is restricted, it’s not just a loss of a medical procedure; it’s a loss of hope, of choice, and of the future for countless families.
Randell and Jessica Seymour’s IVF journey gave them their son, now 1-year-old Kepler, but their experience highlights the emotional and financial toll of infertility treatments—and the stakes of losing access.
Randell’s journey to parenthood began at age 16 when he was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a type of bone cancer. He had to undergo chemotherapy, which doctors warned would kill off his fast-growing blood cells. Not only did this mean he would lose his hair soon, there was the potential it could render him sterile.
His father was more concerned with his son’s future.
"My dad was smart enough at the time to question: does that mean he’s going to be sterile? Because semen is also a fast-growing cell," Randell recalled. "Doctors said most likely."
With his father’s encouragement, Randell preserved his sperm, knowing it might one day be his only path to biological children.
Years later, Randell and Jessica—married in 2018—decided to pursue IVF to build their family.
"I loved him before he was growing in my belly," Jessica said.
The process came with a hefty price tag: $20,000 per round.
The emotional and financial toll was immense — a steep price for many families.
The Seymours were part of the one in six. As of 2023, 17.5% of adults worldwide face infertility, according to the World Health Organization. In Washington state alone, over 200,000 people are affected, according to the state Department of Health.
"I’ve been told throughout my adult life by multiple people that God made me sterile because he didn’t want me to have kids," Randell said.
A hopeful alternative:
Facing high costs in the U.S., the Seymours looked abroad, finding the Barbados Fertility Center. There, a round of IVF cost $8,000—a fraction of U.S. prices—with the added benefit of a tropical setting.
"I was like, no way you can go on this beach vacation and get a baby possibly?" Jessica said.
In April 2023, the Seymours traveled to Barbados, returning to the U.S. hopeful.
By May, they received the news they had long awaited: Jessica’s pregnancy test was positive.
Across the country there's been a shift regarding reproductive freedom as conversations about IVF became increasingly heated and turned into broader debates over pro-life and pro-choice ideologies in the U.S.
Politicians threatened to restrict treatments as so-called fetal personhood bills have been passed in more than a dozen other states.
"That's terrifying, that should never be happening in our country, but that's where we’re at," said Randell.
Dr. Skinner has been treating US couples for over a decade, largely driven by costs. She says the clinic typically sees a surge in inquiries when IVF treatments make headlines as couples like the Seymour's weigh their options.
"Look we continue to see year-over-year growth from inquiries and patients seeking help and us providing care for patients from the U.S., but if policies change and that becomes more restrictive, that would only increase further," Dr. Skinner said.
Emboldened by the Roe reversal, some anti-abortion groups have now evolved into pro-personhood activists, campaigning on the concept that IVF also ends an unborn child’s life when it comes to the disposal of unused embryos.
"There are people out there advocating to remove your right to fight to have a family; I don't know how that can't be upsetting to people, it's so painful to watch," Jessica said.
While President-Elect Donald Trump has said he will let states decide the issue, Senator Maria Cantwell has emerged as a steadfast advocate for protecting access to IVF.
"This nonsense has to stop. This is about families planning for their future," Cantwell said.
A call to protect access:
The Seymours’ story is a testament to the transformative power of IVF. They still have four embryos stored in Barbados and plan to expand their family when ready. For now, they’re advocating for the right to IVF access in the U.S.
"It’s not about who we’re fighting against; it’s about who we’re fighting for," Randell said.
"It makes me want to fight even more to protect people and their choice," Jessica said.
Kepler’s laughter is a constant reminder of what’s at stake. He’s a powerful reminder of why protecting access to IVF in the U.S. is essential for every family’s future.
"How do you not be sad?" Jessica asks. "It makes me cry now. This is the clear picture of what’s at stake. Anything else is ridiculous."
The Source: Information in this story is from the office of U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and the Seymour Family.
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