ASRM Center for Policy & Leadership Releases Fact Sheet on Misleading Terminology, “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” and "Ethical IVF"
May 12, 2025
For immediate release
"IVF is a safe and effective medical treatment for families experiencing infertility, which the Trump administration has already said it supports expanding access to," said Rebecca O’Connor, Director of ASRM's Center for Policy & Leadership. “In this highly charged political environment, it’s vital that policymakers and the public understand the difference between medical facts and buzzwords like 'RRM' and 'ethical IVF.' If the Trump administration truly wants to expand access to IVF, ASRM is urging that the President consider requiring health insurance plans to cover IVF for patients who need it."
The fact sheet includes information on the politicization of IVF and confirms that, despite new policies, laws, and suggested alternative options, IVF remains the most viable option for family building.
Key takeaways from the fact sheet include:
- The concept of "RRM" is not a new solution or a distinct specialty. It emphasizes treatment of underlying infertility causes, which fertility doctors already do for every patient, and may not address all fertility challenges, such as male factor infertility or blocked fallopian tubes.
- "RRM" is not an alternative to IVF and lacks the comprehensive scientific validation that IVF has achieved.
- For LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents by choice, IVF may be the only viable option for building a family.
- While respecting diverse ethical views and religious perspectives is important, imposing restrictions on assisted reproductive technology reduces the effectiveness of and increases the cost of IVF treatments.
- As IVF technology continues to evolve, it's imperative that access remains guided by science and the diverse needs of patients seeking to build families.
The Center for Policy & Leadership is ASRM’s non-partisan think tank delivering fact-based information to advance reproductive medicine.
Read “Just the Facts: ‘Restorative Reproductive Medicine” and “Ethical IVF’ are Misleading Terms That Threaten Access”
For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org
For media inquiries regarding this press release contact:
Sean Tipton
ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer
E: stipton@asrm.org
Anna Hovey
Advocacy Engagement Specialist
E: ahovey@asrm.org
J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs
726 7th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 863-2494
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