WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker EMD Serono will reduce the cost of a common fertility medication through a deal struck with the Trump administration, President Donald Trump announced Thursday. Along with this, he unveiled new federal guidance designed to encourage employers to offer fertility coverage.
The new guidance allows companies to provide fertility benefits separately from major medical insurance plans, similar to dental and vision insurance, according to Trump.
This announcement marks an early indication of how Trump plans to follow up on his executive order issued earlier this year to lower the costs associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF), a procedure that aids individuals facing infertility. However, it demonstrates a significant gap from his campaign promises to make IVF treatment free. The latest agreement represents the third such deal the Trump administration has arranged with pharmaceutical companies to reduce drug prices in recent weeks.
EMD Serono's Gonal-f is a frequently used medication in IVF treatments, designed to stimulate ovulation by producing multiple eggs for fertilization or freezing. Unfortunately, costs associated with these drugs can run into the thousands of dollars per IVF cycle, with many patients needing more than one cycle to achieve pregnancy.
Trump indicated that the discounted drug will be accessible through TrumpRx, a government-run website enabling patients to buy medications directly from producers. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to collaborate with EMD Serono to expedite the approval of another fertility drug, Pergoveris, which is currently available in Europe.
This announcement follows Trump’s earlier executive order from February, which promised to make IVF more affordable. During his campaign, Trump notably pledged that would ensure IVF treatment is free.
Trump emphasized that under his administration, either the government would cover, or insurance companies would be mandated to cover, all costs associated with IVF treatment, expressing the motivation to encourage family growth.
The commitment came amid rising scrutiny following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which led some GOP-led states to target IVF access by attempting to define life at conception.
Roger Shedlin, CEO of fertility benefit company WIN, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, 'Any initiative that addresses the cost of drugs will have a material positive impact on the overall cost of the fertility cycle.'
Corinn O’Brien from Alabama noted that lowering IVF costs would significantly benefit families, as she shared her own struggle with the expense of IVF. She highlighted that while comprehensive coverage for IVF would be a major leap, steps to assist with drug costs are welcomed progress.
O’Brien additionally remarked that extending fertility service coverage among employers could be crucial, as many individuals see IVF as their only hope for expanding their families.
