President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) more affordable for American families by partnering with EMD Serono, the world’s largest fertility drug manufacturer. The initiative includes discounts of 42-79% on fertility drugs depending on patient income levels, with EMD Serono pledging an 84% discount on certain drugs. Trump announced the plan during a press conference in the Oval Office, emphasizing the high cost of IVF, which can exceed $40,000 for multiple cycles, and the financial strain on families. He credits Sen. Katie Britt for bringing the issue to his attention, calling the plan the most pro-IVF action by any U.S. president. The partnership is part of broader efforts to lower healthcare costs and expand access to fertility treatments.
Under the agreement, EMD Serono, which produces the popular fertility drug Gonal-f, will reduce drug prices for patients with lower incomes. The discounts are expected to significantly lower the overall cost of IVF treatment, which can be prohibitively expensive for many couples. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that a single IVF cycle can range from $15,000 to $20,000, with many couples requiring multiple cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy. The average cost for a family to conceive through IVF can easily exceed $40,000, placing a significant financial burden on families.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, commented on the announcement, stating that the move would result in a noticeable increase in the number of ‘Trump babies.’ He expressed optimism about the potential impact of the initiative on families seeking to expand their families. Libby Horne, EMD Serono’s U.S. vice president of fertility and HIV/endocrinology, praised the partnership, noting that 1 in 8 couples face infertility. She stated that the collaboration with the administration would provide access to leading IVF therapies at significant discounts, highlighting the company’s commitment to making fertility treatments more affordable.
Trump also announced that a federal executive order was signed in February to direct federal agencies to find ways to lower the cost of IVF. The plan includes a range of measures to reduce the financial burden on families, including increased funding for research into fertility treatments and the development of more affordable alternatives. The administration has pledged to work with private sector partners like EMD Serono to create a more accessible healthcare system. The proposal is part of a larger push by the Trump administration to reduce healthcare costs and improve access to essential services, which has included other initiatives such as the plan to expand federal funding for Harvard University.
The announcement came during a broader discussion about the intersection of healthcare policy and corporate interests. Trump has consistently emphasized the importance of partnering with major corporations to achieve his policy goals, and this initiative is no exception. The partnership with EMD Serono represents a strategic move to leverage the influence of private industry to address public health challenges. While the plan is seen as a significant step forward in making IVF more accessible, critics argue that it focuses too much on corporate partnerships rather than direct government intervention to lower costs.