[Held on June 30] How to Prevent Unwanted 'Fertility Treatment Resignation'? Considering from the Voices of Those Affected and Advanced Corporate Cases - Kickoff Event of the 'Project for Balancing Work and Fertility Treatment'

Merck Biopharma Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Jeremy Grossas), the Japanese subsidiary of Merck KGaA, a world-leading science and technology company, is launching the 'Project for Balancing Work and Fertility Treatment' with the aim of shifting the balance between fertility treatment and work from a 'personal issue' to a 'societal issue to be supported.'

This project aims to prevent unwanted 'fertility treatment resignation' and realize a society where everyone can live their own lives without giving up either treatment or career. As the first step, a kickoff event will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 'THE GRAND GINZA GALLERY' in GINZA SIX.

Event registration URL: https://fertility-ryoritsu-20260630-corp.peatix.com

Currently, there are major structural challenges in the environment surrounding fertility treatment in Japan. According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 26.1% of workers who have undergone or plan to undergo fertility treatment responded that they 'were unable or are unable to balance it with work,' indicating that more than one in four people have difficulty balancing treatment and work. *1

One in four cannot balance work and fertility treatment

Situations where people are forced to make choices between treatment and work, such as quitting their jobs, giving up treatment, or changing their employment status due to difficulties in balancing, have a significant impact on the careers and life plans of those affected. In particular, 'fertility treatment resignation,' which leads to unwanted job separation, is increasingly recognized by companies as an important issue from the perspective of talent retention and productivity.

This situation is no longer a problem that can be solved through individual efforts alone; it is an issue that society must address. According to estimates by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the economic loss due to job separation and performance decline associated with fertility treatment amounts to approximately 300 billion yen annually, with losses from job separation accounting for about 220 billion yen. *2

Although it should be possible to balance both, in reality, many people are forced to choose between treatment and work. As a company long involved in the fertility treatment field, Merck believes it is an important responsibility to go beyond medical provision and contribute to improving the social environment surrounding patients. Under our global purpose 'As One for Patients - Working together for patients, supporting the birth of life, improving QOL, and connecting lives,' we are promoting the realization of a social environment where fertility treatment and career can coexist while being close to those affected.

Merck Biopharma has been working through the 'YELLOW SPHERE PROJECT' since 2017 to promote correct understanding of life planning and fertility treatment. In this newly launched project, we will further develop these efforts, link them with the activities of the 'Co-Creation Council for Socially Supported Fertility Treatment,' connect diverse stakeholders including companies, medical professionals, affected individuals, and experts, and promote effective change.

Based on the voices of those affected, examples of advanced companies, and insights from experts, this project aims to present support methods that can be implemented in companies, and through information dissemination and advocacy activities, aim to realize sustainable social change.

At the kickoff event, in addition to sharing real voices from those affected, we will discuss from multiple angles the actions required of companies and society to support the balance between treatment and work, including insights from fertility treatment specialists, work style experts, and corporate case studies. We will explore support methods that can be started tomorrow in the workplace and hints for concrete future actions. This event positions itself as a starting point for companies, medical professionals, and society to come together and seriously re-examine the balance between fertility treatment and career as a social issue.

Jeremy Grossas, President and Representative Director of Merck Biopharma Co., Ltd., stated:

'The challenge of balancing fertility treatment and career is often viewed as a personal issue, but in reality, society, systems, and the work environment have a significant impact. What we should aim for is not to promote specific choices, but to create an environment where everyone can choose their own life. Through cooperation with patients, those affected, medical professionals, companies, and policy makers, we will contribute to realizing a society where diverse choices are respected.'

Our company will continue to promote practical efforts for balancing fertility treatment and work through co-creation with stakeholders, and contribute to the development of a social environment that supports choices.

*1: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare 'Comprehensive Survey on Various Issues Concerning the Balance between Fertility Treatment and Work in FY2023' Worker Survey (2023)
*2: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry 'Estimation of Economic Losses Due to Women-Specific Health Issues and the Necessity of Health Management' (2024)

■ Outline of the 'Project for Balancing Work and Fertility Treatment' Kickoff Event

At this event, we will welcome former TBS announcer and freelance announcer Akiyo Yoshida as a guest to talk about the challenges of balancing work and fertility treatment from the perspective of those affected. In addition, through expert explanations by a doctor, we will clarify the burdens of hospital visits and mental and physical strain associated with fertility treatment, and factors that make it difficult to balance with work.

Furthermore, the Recruit Works Institute, which conducts research on work, and companies with advanced initiatives will take the stage to discuss specific support methods that can be started tomorrow in the workplace. This event is highly recommended for general individuals interested in balancing career and life events, corporate HR and DE&I promotion staff, and management. The event will be emceed by Taiki Yamanaka, who works as a radio personality and narrator.

Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 18:30–20:00

Venue: THE GRAND GINZA GALLERY (GINZA SIX 13F, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)

Target: Those interested in balancing career and life events, corporate HR and DE&I promotion staff, management, etc.

Organizer: Merck Biopharma Co., Ltd.

Participation Fee: Free

Registration: Please register via Peatix

Registration URL: https://fertility-ryoritsu-20260630-corp.peatix.com

Event details and registration

Peatix page will open

Speakers:

Akiyo Yoshida, Freelance Announcer

Yukiko Katagiri, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine

Makiko Hagiwara, Recruit Works Institute

Jeremy Grossas, President and Representative Director, Merck Biopharma Co., Ltd.

Two other companies engaged in fertility treatment support initiatives

Emcee: Taiki Yamanaka

*Speakers are subject to change.

*Honorifics omitted.