As U.S. birth rates continue to decline, the Trump Administration has taken a clear public stance in favor of growing and supporting American families — including recent vocal support for expanded access to IVF and fertility treatments. These efforts fall in line with a broader push to reinforce the family unit as the cornerstone of American life.
But while the message is clear — support families, boost birth rates, and strengthen future generations — the economic policies in place may tell a more complicated story.
Tariffs and the Family Equation
For many aspiring parents, particularly those turning to IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies, affordability is a growing concern. While domestic support has increased rhetorically, tariffs on imported medical supplies and pharmaceutical ingredients used in fertility care have raised real-world costs.
One couple shared that they had budgeted carefully for their second round of IVF — cutting back on vacations, working overtime, and even moving in with family temporarily. But when their clinic informed them that medication costs had jumped due to supply chain issues and tariffs, they were forced to delay treatment yet again. The emotional and financial toll was immense.
IVF clinics rely on a global supply chain for everything from hormone injections to lab equipment and cryopreservation tools. Tariffs on countries supplying these materials, including China and parts of Europe, can increase costs for clinics — and those costs are often passed directly to patients.
The average cost of one IVF cycle in the U.S. already ranges from $12,000 to $17,000 — and that’s before medication, which can add another $3,000–$5,000. Tariffs can push these figures even higher, making family building feel out of reach for many middle-class Americans.
The Baby Budget Hits a Wall
And IVF isn’t the only challenge for new or growing families. Tariffs have also quietly impacted:
- Baby formula, especially brands reliant on imported ingredients.
- Cribs, strollers, and car seats, many of which are manufactured or assembled overseas.
- Medical devices for infant care and postpartum recovery.
- Essential medications like prenatal vitamins and even some types of insulin.
One mother recalled her sticker shock when buying a replacement stroller after theirs broke. “We bought the same model we had five years ago,” she said, “but the price had jumped by almost $150. I couldn’t believe it.”
These hidden costs of tariffs rarely make headlines — but they can create significant financial strain for families already navigating one of the most expensive phases of life. For a first-time parent trying to outfit a nursery and prepare for parental leave, every extra dollar counts.
A Policy Contradiction in Plain Sight
If the administration's goal is to make it easier and more affordable to start a family, some economists and family advocates argue that tariffs work against that mission. While intended to protect American industries, these trade policies may inadvertently penalize the very families national messaging seeks to uplift.
It’s a contradiction worth examining: can a government both champion family growth and make it more expensive to grow one?
The Bigger Fear: Birth Rates on the Decline
U.S. fertility rates are already below the replacement threshold of 2.1 children per woman. Economic pressure is a major reason young couples delay — or forgo — having children.
A 30-something couple recently shared that they had been ready for baby number two — emotionally and physically — but after tallying the rising costs of childcare, formula, and housing, they hit pause. “We want a bigger family,” they said, “but not if it means drowning in debt.”
If these pressures grow due to trade policies, some fear birth rates will continue to fall, regardless of political messaging. The concern isn’t ideological; it’s demographic. Fewer babies mean a shrinking workforce, increased strain on social support systems, and long-term economic stagnation.
What Families Can Do
While larger trade policy may be out of the average parent’s control, families do have tools at their disposal:
- Ask providers about domestic alternatives for medications or supplies.
- Advocate locally for subsidies or grants for IVF and childcare.
- Engage with lawmakers to raise awareness of the disconnect between tariffs and family policy.
- Support organizations pushing for accessible reproductive health options.
Supporting families isn’t just about messaging — it’s about making it financially and logistically possible to build one. If the U.S. is serious about reversing its declining birth rate and championing the family unit, policies across the board — including trade — must align with that mission.
Otherwise, families may find themselves caught between a supportive speech and an unaffordable future.
