President Donald Trump announced on Thursday from the Oval Office that EMD Serono will be reducing the prices of fertility medications, aiming to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) more accessible to families seeking to conceive. This decision marks a significant step in Trump’s broader initiative to lower healthcare costs.
During his address, Trump revealed that his administration successfully negotiated with EMD Serono to reduce the prices of key medications such as Gonal-f and Pergoveris. This announcement is part of a series of recent agreements between the administration and pharmaceutical companies to decrease drug costs, highlighting a commitment to improving affordability in healthcare.
The president noted that his emphasis on making IVF treatments more affordable was influenced by a controversial ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court in 2024. This decision established that frozen embryos could legally be regarded as children under state law, which raised alarm about the future of fertility treatments in the state. The ruling, stemming from the case of LePage v. Center for Reproductive Medicine, temporarily halted IVF services and ignited discussions on the implications of the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
Trump credited U.S. Senator Katie Britt from Alabama for bringing this issue to his attention, which played a part in his campaign platform for the 2024 presidential election where he expressed support for IVF. By December 2024, the wrongful death lawsuit that contributed to the Supreme Court’s ruling was dismissed, paving the way for further discussions on the topic.
In addressing concerns from conservatives wary of his support for IVF due to religious beliefs, Trump emphasized his pro-life stance, stating, “You can’t get more pro-life than this.” This sentiment reinforces his administration’s strategy to advocate for fertility treatments while attempting to navigate the complex social and political landscape surrounding reproductive rights.
The announcement not only showcases Trump’s commitment to reducing healthcare costs but also reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by individuals and families seeking fertility assistance. This proactive approach could foster a more supportive environment for those looking to build families.