President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled a new effort aimed at lowering the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments for families nationwide. Under a deal with EMD Serono, the American branch of the German-based pharmaceutical company, patients completing a full IVF treatment plan—including medications such as Gonal-f, Ovidrel, and Cetrotide—could see costs drop by as much as 84% compared with typical list prices.
The announcement continues Trump’s focus on expanding access to fertility treatments, an issue he highlighted during his 2024 presidential campaign. During that campaign, he promised to make IVF more affordable through potential government support or insurance initiatives.
Understanding IVF
IVF is a medical procedure that assists individuals and couples in conceiving when facing infertility. The process, according to the Mayo Clinic, involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory setting. Some people also opt for IVF to reduce the risk of passing on genetic conditions to their children.
Gonal-f, one of the medications included in the discounted program, stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the likelihood of a successful IVF cycle.
Part of a Broader Effort to Lower Drug Costs
The discounted medications will be available through the TrumpRx.gov platform, which is scheduled to launch in January 2026. Medicaid patients will benefit from the company’s “most-favored nation” pricing, ensuring they pay no more than the lowest global price for these medications.
In addition, the administration is allowing employers to offer IVF coverage as an optional benefit within employee health plans. Participation will be voluntary and enrollment as straightforward as signing up for vision or dental insurance, though costs will vary depending on the employer’s plan.
This initiative builds on the administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce prescription drug costs, following previous agreements with Pfizer and AstraZeneca to provide discounted medications through the TrumpRx program.
Executive Order Targets IVF Affordability
In February, Trump signed an executive order aimed at increasing Americans’ access to IVF by reducing its financial burden. The order directed federal agencies to propose measures within 90 days to lower out-of-pocket and insurance costs, including easing regulatory barriers. IVF treatments, which can cost between $12,000 and $25,000 per cycle, are often financially out of reach for many families.
EMD Serono has also pledged to invest $50 billion in U.S. manufacturing and research by 2030, including the construction of its largest global facility in Virginia. The company’s IVF products will be exempt from Section 232 tariffs if it meets its U.S. manufacturing commitments.
Concerns Amid New Initiatives
Despite the push to expand access to fertility care, some administration actions have raised concerns. Earlier this month, over 1,300 employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including those in reproductive health roles, received layoff notices—many of which were later rescinded due to administrative errors.
Additionally, reductions to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Family Planning Office have put the Title X program, which provides essential services to low-income individuals, at risk. Experts warn that such cuts could slow progress in maternal and infant health, disproportionately affecting women of color.
