Merck is expanding its employee 'Fertility Benefit' to 27 more countries, including New Zealand.
The benefit was first introduced in October 2023 to specific markets, with a plan to expand worldwide in 2024.
New Zealand is part of the second expansion following the inclusion of Australia in March. Merck said it now offers a fertility benefit
in nearly 50 countries, covering 98 per cent of its global employee population.
"The caring spirit of Merck truly comes to life when we support our employees through their most important personal moments," said Belén Garijo, Merck executive chair and CEO.
"The expansion of our Fertility Benefit program demonstrates this strong commitment to help 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 managing director of Merck Healthcare Australia and New Zealand, Josie Downey, welcomed the benefit's expansion.
"Across the globe, 1 in 6 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 the individual, as well as the family. We are so pleased that the Fertility Benefit has launched in New Zealand, and we are able to support our people as they strive to realise their dream of parenthood," said Ms Downey.
Rebecca Lee, the managing director of Merck Life Science Australia and New Zealand, confirmed that a breadth of services will be covered, such as fertility tests, in vitro fertilisation treatments, and hormonal treatments.
"The Fertility Benefit is now available to eligible employees in New Zealand and their partners, regardless of marital status and sexual orientation," said Ms Lee.
"In line with Merck's efforts to foster well-being and an environment where everyone feels they belong, the company also offers a robust suite of information and resources related to fertility and has created a dedicated space for a peer support network," added Ms Lee.
Merck employees welcomed the expansion.
Dr Louise Prestipino joined Merck Healthcare's medical team over three years ago.
"It is really welcome that the Merck Fertility Benefit covers a range of services, including preconception genetic testing which has been recommended to my partner and I. This is an additional cost but important priority for some prospective parents, who may have recessively inherited genetic conditions and its refreshing to see this inclusive and empowering approach to supporting parents-to-be in our workplace," said Dr Prestipino.
"It's very reassuring to see that the Merck Fertility Benefit has been launched and extended to New Zealand and Australia. The financial support and help in raising awareness and addressing stigma that people can sometimes feel on a fertility journey, head on in the workplace in a positive and inclusive way, is really welcome. In offering the benefit to same sex couples, and to partners I'm proud to be part of the Merck team acknowledging that all fertility journeys are important and unique - and providing tangible support to employees in the workplace."
Sarah Fardy is the head of commercial marketing at Merck Life Science Australia and New Zealand. The launch of the Merck Fertility Benefit in Australia and New Zealand came at a time when she had decided to take the first steps on her own solo fertility journey.
"I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome and fallopian tube adhesions last year. It's a painful condition that I've been advised is common and can be associated with some difficulty in getting pregnant. After in depth discussions with my fertility specialist, I made the choice to have laparoscopic surgery to remove the adhesions and pursue egg-freezing for fertility preservation and to give me some control over my career and future," said Mr Fardy.
"When exploring the options available to me, I found the 'out-of-pocket' costs for the procedure I wanted to be a significant barrier. Fortunately, Merck had just launched the global Fertility Benefit, and through this program, I was able to follow the treatment I had decided was right for me.
"This support from my employer enabled me to take charge of my personal situation. My medical condition no longer dictated when I had to start trying for my family. I felt back in control, making my condition less impactful on my career and my future as a potential mother.
"I know I won't be alone in welcoming the support of the Fertility Benefit. I am so glad that is now available to my colleagues and their partners across the entire Merck group in Australia and New Zealand."
