Unexpected Shift: Independent Voters React to Trump’s IVF Proposal

Trump’s IVF proposal boosts his support by 25 points among Michigan independent voters.

At a Glance

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is gaining significant support among Michigan independents.
A new poll by Co/efficient shows Trump leading with 55% support among Michigan independents compared to Vice President Kamala Harris’ 30%.
Trump’s proposal prioritizes family values and could provide a boost to the American economy.
The overall race for Michigan’s 15 electoral votes is currently tied at 47% for both Trump and Harris.
Trump’s proposal includes government or mandated insurance coverage for all IVF treatment costs and tax deductions for major newborn expenses.

Trump’s IVF Policy Boosts Support Among Independents

In a critical development for the 2024 presidential race, former President Donald Trump has gained a substantial 25-point advantage among independent voters in Michigan. This boost follows his recent proposal to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments more accessible. According to a recent poll by Co/efficient, Trump now garners 55% of the independent vote in Michigan, compared to Vice President Kamala Harris’ 30%.

The newfound support for Trump’s campaign due to the IVF proposal highlights its resonance with voters in a swing state that holds 15 crucial electoral votes. Both Trump and Harris are currently tied at 47% support overall in Michigan, making the state a pivotal battleground.

Details of Trump’s IVF Proposal

Trump’s proposal includes mandates that insurance companies cover all IVF treatment costs or that the federal government pays for them. This plan also offers tax deductions for significant newborn expenses. Although this initiative could cost up to $7 billion in taxpayer funds, 27% of voters indicated they are more likely to support Trump because of the IVF plan, while only 17% are less likely.

“Under the Trump administration, 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, to put it very nicely. And for the same reason, we will also allow new parents to deduct major newborn expenses from their taxes,” Trump said in Michigan last month.

Promoting Conservative Family Values and Economic Growth

Trump’s IVF policy emphasizes growing American families, a cornerstone of conservative values. More families mean more stability and a robust workforce contributing to the nation’s economic growth. By implementing this policy, Trump aligns with the conservative agenda of protecting family values, which resonates strongly with many American voters, especially in key battleground states like Michigan.

Moreover, the proposal draws attention to the broader GOP stance on reproductive rights. It hints at the potential challenges Trump might face navigating the complex landscape of conservative reproductive policies. However, it also offers an opportunity to reframe the narrative surrounding these issues.

Former President Donald Trump and several Republicans in Congress have declared their support for IVF. But some have voted against enshrining IVF access into law. https://t.co/SuQtQyCiGf

— VERIFY (@VerifyThis) September 8, 2024

Independent Voters and Religious Approval Ratings

The proposal’s favorable reception extends beyond independents, gaining positive ratings among Protestants and Catholics, with approval ratings of +11 and +9, respectively. However, Jewish voters appear less favorable, with 33% less likely to support Trump versus 11% more likely.

“Republicans are not leaders on IVF,” remarked Katie Watson, a medical ethics professor at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “Some of them have posed a threat to IVF, and they’re currently trying to figure out how to be anti-abortion and pro-IVF, and there are internal inconsistencies and struggles there. It appears that the Republicans are careening to remedy the political damage that resulted from their own choices.”

In Michigan’s tight Senate race, the IVF proposal’s popularity among family-oriented voters could also influence other down-ticket races, including the nearly tied contest between former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers and Rep. Elissa Slotkin.

Challenges to Implementing the Plan

While the policy has significant voter support, implementing it poses challenges. According to Alina Salganicoff from KFF, the President cannot implement this alone; Congress would need to appropriate funds. Government-funded IVF could create a single-payer system for this treatment, requiring new federal oversight and funding.

Many congressional Republicans are skeptical of mandating free IVF coverage. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch Trump ally, stated, “I’m against health care for all, and I don’t support a plan right now to just pay for IVF… I’m not for government-mandated funding of IVF.”

Despite these hurdles, Trump’s IVF proposal significantly bolsters his support among key voting blocs, highlighting family values and economic growth, crucial elements of his campaign strategy. As the election draws near, this issue will likely play a pivotal role in swaying undecided voters and shaping the presidential race.