Science and technology company Merck is introducing a new Fertility Benefit Programme in Ireland.
The Fertility Benefit is available to eligible employees and their partners, regardless of marital status and sexual orientation. A range of services will be covered, such as fertility tests, in vitro fertilisation treatments and hormonal treatments.
Merck's Fertility Benefit was first introduced in nine markets in October last year, and plans were announced to offer it globally in 2024.
This expansion signifies the next step in this journey, as Merck now offers a Fertility Benefit in 20 markets and continues to work at growing this offering across the globe.
"The caring spirit of Merck truly comes to life when we support our employees through their most important personal moments," said Belén Garijo, Executive Chair and CEO of Merck.
"The expansion of our Fertility Benefit Programme demonstrates this strong commitment to helping those colleagues who want to build a family. We are pioneers in the fertility space and we are thrilled to provide this opportunity to a growing number of Merck families," the CEO added.
"Across the globe, one in six people will face infertility. As a long-standing leader in fertility, we, at Merck, understand the financial and emotional toll this journey can have on individuals and families," commented Mark Dunphy, Site Director and Head of Cork Operations at Merck in Carrigtwohill.
"We are so pleased that the Fertility Benefit Programme has launched in Ireland, allowing us to support our people as they strive to realise their dream of parenthood," he added.
Merck said that an estimated five million babies have been born with the help of its products - about half of all babies born through medically assisted reproduction since the birth of the first baby conceived through in vitro fertilisation in 1978.
