In a bold move that seems destined to shake things up in the 2024 presidential race, former President Donald Trump has thrown his hat into the ring, proposing fully funded in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments for American families. While the details on how this massive undertaking would be financed remain as elusive as the Democrats’ plan for actually addressing inflation, the message is clear: Trump is doubling down on family values and baby-making in a way that is sure to ruffle some liberal feathers.
Delivered at a campaign stop in Michigan, Trump stated that under his administration, either the government or insurance companies would shoulder the costs associated with IVF treatments—because clearly, he wants to pump out more babies. It’s a classic Trumpian maneuver: tackle a tough issue with a headline-making statement that would make even the most committed ‘pro-choice’ activist stop and think. Maybe Democrats are just mad because it sounds like someone is more committed to family-building than they are.
BREAKING: @realDonaldTrump Announces New Policy, “Your Government Will Pay For Or Your Insurance Company Will Be Mandated To Pay For All Costs Associated With IVF Treatment…WE WANT MORE BABIES!" pic.twitter.com/773dI2pH0b
— John Basham (@JohnBasham) August 29, 2024
This announcement comes amid ongoing attacks from the left following the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade, an achievement that Trump, much to the chagrin of Democrats, can claim as one of his legacy pieces thanks to his carefully selected Supreme Court justices. In response to this victory, lawmakers in Alabama have had to step up to ensure that IVF providers are protected after the state Supreme Court melded frozen embryos into the swirling debate around life and rights. The backlash just highlights how badly the left is floundering in their attempts to adapt to a post-war world.
IVF is notoriously expensive; a single round can cost tens of thousands of dollars—an all-too-familiar struggle for many families. Yet, while some may argue that this plan sounds a bit ambitious, Trump proposes that new parents should be able to deduct expenses related to newborn care from their taxes. Because, let’s face it, the only thing pricier than a new baby is the never-ending tax bill, especially when Democrats are in charge. Pro-family policies are certainly looking more appealing on the conservative side of things, especially when contrasted with the narrative of taking away rights.
As Trump stitches his way through the Midwest in an attempt to recapture lost states, the backdrop of his pro-family initiative becomes even more crucial. The battleground states he’s targeting have a history of flipping between red and blue. As he prepares for a rematch against Kamala Harris, he is hitting them hard with economic talk and family-friendly policies. His speeches are as fiery as ever, accusing the current administration of presiding over an “economic reign of terror,” which indeed raises eyebrows when contrasting their collective financial management with Trump’s record.
With Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania poised to soak up the upcoming campaign adrenaline, the stakes grow higher. As his campaign regains momentum amid new challenges from a freshly rejuvenated Democratic ticket—complete with Vice President Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz—they’re trying to galvanize their base in the wake of Trump’s strategy to capitalize on working-class frustrations. Whether Harris and Walz can summon the kind of fervor they experienced during their convention in Chicago remains to be seen, especially in swing districts where Trump’s new family-centric approach could resonate strongly with voters tired of the left’s incessant attempts to reimagine family dynamics.
In short, Trump’s latest endeavor to advocate for free IVF treatments isn’t just a campaign strategy; it’s a calculated move to assert his roots in family values while attempting to snatch back the battlegrounds he lost in the last election. Only time will tell if this plan has the potential to sway undecided voters or if it will simply become another soundbite in the ongoing saga of American politics.