Merck Korea said it launched its Fertility Benefit Program for its employees and their spouses, effective from Jan. 1 this year.

Merck Korea has about 1,750 employees, according to its website. 

The program, part of Merck's broader initiative "Fertility Counts," is designed to support the reproductive journeys of its employees.

Merck's Fertility Benefit Program was initially implemented in eight countries, including Germany, the U.K., Switzerland, China, and Taiwan, as of Oct. 1 last year. Korea has become the tenth nation to adopt Merck's global fertility support initiative.

Amidst growing concerns over declining birth rates and infertility issues, Merck has stepped forward to assist its employees in their fertility endeavors.

The company's biopharma division is at the forefront of global infertility treatment, contributing to the birth of over five million lives worldwide and boasting an extensive portfolio of therapeutic solutions.

The Fertility Benefit Program is available to all Merck employees in Korea and their spouses, regardless of marital status, gender, or sexual orientation.

It covers a wide range of fertility-related expenses, including in-vitro fertilization, ovulation induction, male infertility treatments, and fertility assessments.

The program also supports preliminary tests and embryo freezing for personal use. There is no limit on the number of treatment cycles, with support extending up to 15 million won ($ 11,210) per employee during their tenure at Merck.

As part of this initiative, Merck is also offering information and psychological counseling services through its infertility division and the "Behealthy" global initiative for employee health.

Christoph Hamann, General Manager of Merck Biopharma Korea, emphasized the need for a cultural shift in addressing the low birth rate issue.

"It's vital to create the right culture at a corporate level, as much as providing financial support or benefits," Hamann said. "Merck is committed to continuing educational and awareness-raising activities to ensure our employees receive adequate support in having and raising children."

Hamann expressed hope that more companies in Korea, now facing ultra-low birth rates, will join in cultivating a culture and raising awareness to combat this issue.

"I anticipate broader policy support, educational systems, and a societal change in perception to back these corporate efforts," he said.