AUGUSTA — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner and his wife Amy Gertner recently announced on social media that they are taking a pause from campaigning to try to start a family.

In a video message, the couple said they are traveling to Norway for IVF treatments.

“The expense of this in the United States is astronomical,” Platner said.

He said even with plane tickets, it’s far cheaper to travel to Norway. In the U.S., a first treatment costs $25,000 but in Norway it’s $5,500, he said. 

Platner and Gertner did not say how long they will be gone or when he will return to the campaign trail. Since launching his candidacy in August, Platner has traveled the state for more than 30 town hall meetings, often drawing large crowds.

Planter is set to face fellow Democrat Gov. Janet Mills in the June primary. Both are vying for the opportunity to take on Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.