In brief
In a recent announcement, the Trump administration revealed plans to lower the cost of a widely used fertility drug, Gonal-f, by collaborating with EMD Serono. The new federal guidance will allow employers to offer fertility benefits separately from standard health plans, similar to dental and vision coverage. While this is seen as a step forward in addressing IVF affordability, critics note it falls short of Trump's promise to make IVF free for all. With ongoing pressures for reproductive healthcare, advocates hope this change will ease financial burdens for families hoping to conceive.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker EMD Serono will reduce the cost of a common fertility medication through a deal struck with the Trump administration. President Trump announced new federal guidance aimed at encouraging employers to offer fertility coverage, allowing companies to provide these benefits separately from major medical insurance plans. This is part of Trump's ongoing efforts to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) more accessible after announcing a previous executive order to lower IVF costs.EMD Serono’s Gonal-f is among several medications used by individuals undergoing IVF, which can be financially taxing, often costing thousands per cycle. The discounted drug will be available on TrumpRx, a government platform for direct drug purchases. While advocates welcome the initiative, they point out that it doesn't fulfill Trump's earlier commitment to making IVF free. As societal pressures and changing reproductive laws continue to shape the landscape, many families hope these changes signal a more supportive future for those seeking to grow their families.
