ASRM Center for Policy and Leadership Warns Federal Funding Cuts Are Undermining Reproductive Health Infrastructure
New research details the impact of cuts on NIH research, CDC data systems, and FDA oversight, raising concerns for patients, clinicians, and scientific progress.
April 17, 2026
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC—The American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) Center for Policy and Leadership (CPL), ASRM’s non-partisan think tank, today released a white paper analyzing how recent federal funding reductions and workforce cuts are affecting the systems that support reproductive health care, research, and patient safety in the United States.
“Federal investment in reproductive health is essential to the systems that make safe, effective care possible,” said Rebecca O’Connor, JD, Director of the CPL. “Reproductive health encompasses an entire spectrum of care that includes infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF), maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, contraception, and other gynecologic conditions. From research and data collection to clinical oversight, these programs support patients and physicians every day. Weakening them risks slowing scientific progress and limiting access to care for millions of people.”
The report, The Impact of Federal Funding Cuts on Patients, Providers, and the Field of Reproductive Medicine, outlines how cuts across key federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), are disrupting core public health functions that patients and providers rely on. These include biomedical research, clinical oversight, and data-collection systems that support safe and effective fertility care.
The most significant events and impacts identified in the report include:
“This analysis could not be more timely,” said Sean Tipton, ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer. “President Trump’s FY 2027 budget proposal would cut up to $5 billion from the National Institutes of Health—undermining a key federal partner in reproductive health—on top of prior reductions.”
The report underscores that reproductive medicine depends on a coordinated public health infrastructure, and that sustained federal support is essential to maintain innovation, ensure patient safety, and inform evidence-based policy decisions.
The full policy analysis is available here.
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC—The American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) Center for Policy and Leadership (CPL), ASRM’s non-partisan think tank, today released a white paper analyzing how recent federal funding reductions and workforce cuts are affecting the systems that support reproductive health care, research, and patient safety in the United States.
“Federal investment in reproductive health is essential to the systems that make safe, effective care possible,” said Rebecca O’Connor, JD, Director of the CPL. “Reproductive health encompasses an entire spectrum of care that includes infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF), maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, contraception, and other gynecologic conditions. From research and data collection to clinical oversight, these programs support patients and physicians every day. Weakening them risks slowing scientific progress and limiting access to care for millions of people.”
The report, The Impact of Federal Funding Cuts on Patients, Providers, and the Field of Reproductive Medicine, outlines how cuts across key federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), are disrupting core public health functions that patients and providers rely on. These include biomedical research, clinical oversight, and data-collection systems that support safe and effective fertility care.
The most significant events and impacts identified in the report include:
- The elimination of the CDC’s Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Surveillance Team, which supported national IVF data collection and reporting required under federal law, raising concerns about the future of transparency and quality monitoring in fertility care
- Disruptions to the NIH research ecosystem, including the termination or delay of thousands of grants, with implications for innovation in infertility treatment, maternal health, and reproductive science
- Workforce reductions at federal agencies may limit the FDA’s ability to review and regulate reproductive health technologies and treatments in a timely and effective manner
- Broader constraints on federal public health infrastructure that support access to care, patient protections, and evidence-based policymaking
“This analysis could not be more timely,” said Sean Tipton, ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer. “President Trump’s FY 2027 budget proposal would cut up to $5 billion from the National Institutes of Health—undermining a key federal partner in reproductive health—on top of prior reductions.”
The report underscores that reproductive medicine depends on a coordinated public health infrastructure, and that sustained federal support is essential to maintain innovation, ensure patient safety, and inform evidence-based policy decisions.
The full policy analysis is available here.
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
Press Releases
Check out these press releases as well
ASRM Center for Policy and Leadership Warns Federal Funding Cuts Are Undermining Reproductive Health Infrastructure
Federal funding cuts to NIH, CDC, and FDA threaten reproductive health research, patient safety, and access to care, warns new ASRM policy report.
New Research Links “Forever Chemicals” to Reduced Fertility, Pregnancy Complications
Study finds PFAS “forever chemicals” may harm fertility, raise preeclampsia risk, and increase preterm birth, highlighting urgent reproductive health concerns.
Bipartisan HOPE Act Reintroduced in Congress to Expand Fertility Coverage Nationwide
HOPE Act reintroduced to mandate nationwide insurance coverage for infertility care, expanding access to IVF, fertility preservation, and essential treatments.
For the First Time, More Than 100,000 Babies Born Through IVF in the U.S. in a Single Year
IVF births in the U.S. surpass 100,000 in 2024, highlighting rising demand, improved safety, and advances in fertility care and reproductive medicine.
The News from ASRM
Latest News
An indispensable news digest for reproductive scientists, clinicians and allied health professionals. The Latest News posts are available to ASRM members in good standing only.
ASRM Press Releases/Bulletins
ASRM Press Releases and Bulletins are published by ASRM's Office of Public Affairs to inform the press and Society members of important recent developments.
Topic Resources
View more on the topic of access to care
The U.S. Federal Government and Reproductive Health
The Impact of Federal Funding Cuts on Patients, Providers, and the Field of Reproductive Medicine. View the Advocacy Resource
Group Spotlight: Access to Care SIG
Focused on breaking down barriers such as cost, geography, language, and long wait times, the Access to Care SIG brings together clinicians, researchers, advocates, and industry partners to rethink how care is delivered and who it reaches. Learn more about ATC group.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine Responds to TrumpRx Announcement, Says IVF Access Requires More Than Lower Drug Prices
ASRM has responded to the latest announcement about TrumpRx and its impact on IVF treatments. View the Press Release
ASRM Responds to Speaker Johnson’s Stripping of Fertility Coverage for America’s Military Personnel
ASRM condemns Speaker Johnson’s removal of TRICARE fertility coverage from NDAA, urging action to restore IVF benefits for U.S. military families. View the Press Release
ASRM Inaugural INNOVATE
ASRM INNOVATE spotlighted the energy of innovation in reproductive medicine and how collaboration will shape the future of fertility and reproductive health. Read about INNOVATE
Improving access to care and delivery to marginalized and vulnerable populations: a committee opinion (2025)
ASRM committee opinion on reducing infertility care disparities, outlining barriers and actionable strategies to improve equitable access. View the opinion
Key Abstracts Presented at the ASRM 2025 Scientific Congress & Expo
ASRM 2025 reveals support for IVF access, wildfire smoke's fertility risks, and how insurance mandates improve outcomes in reproductive health care. View the Press Release
Preparing Experts in Reproductive Medicine to Engage Decisionmakers
ASRM’s PRIMED program trains reproductive health experts to advocate for evidence-based policy, empowering professionals to engage lawmakers and advance care access. ASRM PRIMED Program continues mission
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Oversight: Lessons for the United States from Abroad
A comprehensive analysis of global Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) regulations, comparing policies, accessibility, and ethical considerations in various countries. View the advocacy resource
ASRM Announces FY25 Patient Advocacy Grant Awardees
Congratulations to the Newest Grant Recipients! View more information about the patient advocacy grant
What support for IVF looks like
Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resource
It takes more than one
Why IVF patients often need multiple embryos to have a baby View the advocacy resource
Oversight of IVF in the US
In the US, medical care is regulated by a complex and comprehensive network of federal and state regulations and professional oversight. View the advocacy resource
Ethical considerations for telemedical delivery of fertility care: an Ethics Committee opinion (2024)
Telemedicine has the potential to increase access to and decrease the cost of care. View the Committee Opinion
Cross-border reproductive care: an Ethics Committee opinion (2022)
Cross-border reproductive care is a growing worldwide phenomenon, raising questions about why assisted reproductive technology patients travel for care. View the Ethics Committee Document
Reproductive and infertility care in times of public health crises: an Ethics Committee opinion (2022)
Public health crises often require a framework shift in which patient autonomy is balanced with the need to safeguard the health of the community. View the Committee opinion
Access to fertility treatment irrespective of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021)
Individuals and couples should have access to fertility services irrespective of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. View the Committee Opinion
Disparities in access to effective treatment for infertility in the United States: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021)
In the United States, economic, racial, ethnic, geographic, and other disparities prevent access to fertility treatment and affect treatment outcomes. View the Committee Opinion
Exploring Access to Care for Marginalized Communities Course
Enhance your skills and contribute to reducing healthcare disparities for marginalized communities. Learn more about the Exploring Access to Care for Marginalized Communities Course
Access to Care Special Interest Group (ATCSIG)
The Access To Care Special Interest Group's purpose is to foster the growth of knowledge among the ASRM membership and the medical community regarding the unmet needs that exist today in access to reproductive care Learn more about the Special Interest Group
Patient Advocacy Grant
The ASRM Patient Advocacy Grants Program awards funds to patient advocacy organizations to support advocacy efforts and educational programs for patients. View more information about the patient advocacy grantTopic Resources
View more on the topic of advocacy
ASRM Center for Policy and Leadership Warns Federal Funding Cuts Are Undermining Reproductive Health Infrastructure
Federal funding cuts to NIH, CDC, and FDA threaten reproductive health research, patient safety, and access to care, warns new ASRM policy report. View the Press Release
The U.S. Federal Government and Reproductive Health
The Impact of Federal Funding Cuts on Patients, Providers, and the Field of Reproductive Medicine. View the Advocacy Resource
2026 Advocacy Activities Report
View the letters, amicus briefs, and sign-ons that ASRM has submitted to protect reproductive care. View the activities
National Infertility Awareness Week
April 19-25, 2026, is National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)!
View the NIAW Toolkit
March 2026: Advocacy in Action
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. See what Advocacy Activities ASRM is up to
April 2026: Advocacy in Action
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. See what Advocacy Activities ASRM is up to
February 2026: Advocacy in Action
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. See what Advocacy Activities ASRM is up to
2025 Wrapped: Advocacy and Engagement in the Office of Public Affairs
Explore ASRM’s 2025 advocacy wins, IVF policy updates, federal funding fights, and state mandates shaping reproductive medicine access. View the ASRM Advocacy Wins
From Guidance to Global Impact: How ASRM’s Updated Definition of Infertility Helped Shape Policy in Australia
SRM's updated infertility definition became a catalyst for regulatory action internationally and yielded new hope for growing families on the other side of the world. Read about the impact
ASRM Launches New Ambassador Program to Strengthen Volunteer Engagement
ASRM has announced the official launch of the ASRM Ambassador Program, previously unveiled during the 2025 Scientific Congress. ASRM Ambassador Program Launches
January 2026: Advocacy in Action
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. See what Advocacy Activities ASRM is up to
December 2025: Advocacy in Action
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. See what Advocacy Activities ASRM is up to
Fertility and Sterility Roundtable: Restorative Reproductive Medicine
Explore the debate around restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) — what it is, how it challenges IVF access, and why the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is sounding alarms. Listen to the Episode
November 2025: Advocacy in Action
A summary of federal and state legislation, and highlighting advocacy and outreach efforts of our members. See what Advocacy Activities ASRM is up to
Fertility and Sterility Publishes Editorial Exploring the Origins of “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” and Why Modern Fertility Care Must Remain Comprehensive
Restorative reproductive medicine overlooks IVF, male-factor care, and the need for full-spectrum fertility treatment using modern technologies. View the Press Release
2025 Advocacy Activities Report
View the letters, amicus briefs, and sign-ons that ASRM has submitted to protect reproductive care. View the activities
Empathy in Action: Strengthening the Patient-Provider Connection
Dr. Tara Harding discusses how healthcare providers can foster empathy, trust, and patient-centered care to improve women's health outcomes. View the ASRMed Talk Video
ASRM Action Alerts
Are you an ASRM member looking to sharpen your advocacy skills? The Office of Public Affairs has an exciting opportunity for you!
2024 Advocacy Activities Report
View the letters, amicus briefs, and sign-ons that ASRM has submitted to protect reproductive care. View the activities
ASRM Announces FY25 Patient Advocacy Grant Awardees
Congratulations to the Newest Grant Recipients! View more information about the patient advocacy grant
What support for IVF looks like
Bipartisan support for IVF, that is responsible for the birth of over 2% of all babies born in the USA each year, will ensure that families continue to grow. View the advocacy resource
Oversight of IVF in the US
In the US, medical care is regulated by a complex and comprehensive network of federal and state regulations and professional oversight. View the advocacy resource
2023 Advocacy Activities Report
View the letters, amicus briefs, and sign-ons that ASRM has submitted to protect reproductive care. View the activities
