The process of egg donation is not for the faint of heart. First, the screening process is rigorous and involves a comprehensive analysis of one’s medical and psychological state. Next, the ovarian stimulation process can be demanding. A woman takes daily injections of hormonal medication and goes in for regular ultrasounds to check on her ovaries. Finally, the egg donor undergoes a procedure under sedation to retrieve the eggs she’s produced. That’s not to mention the ethical implications of egg donation. Fair compensation for all of this is certainly warranted. That being said, remuneration for egg donation varies widely, from $5,000-$50,000.
Donor eggs are most commonly sourced from egg banks or fertility clinics. The pay varies, depending on a number of factors. Women with exceptional qualities, or in-demand ethnicities, will often command higher pay. Repeat donors are also often compensated at a higher level. Occasionally, intended parents with very specific requirements will seek out their own donor personally. They may place ads online to search for their perfect donor. Read more Finding an Egg Donor.
Donor reimbursement is all-encompassing. It includes medical expenses, insurance, legal fees and travel costs. The travel expenses of a companion are often covered as well, so the donor doesn’t have to go through the experience alone. Reimbursement also intends to provide compensation for the physical and emotional demands of the process. There are risks to the ovarian stimulation process that women must undergo for egg donation. One very serious threat is that of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which has the potential to be fatal. Although exceedingly rare, the potential for complication is not to be taken lightly. Women can donate their eggs multiple times, and are often compensated at a higher level for subsequent cycles. However, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends a maximum of six cycles per donor in her lifetime.
The screening process for egg donation also has some perks, in that a woman must undergo fertility testing before enrolling as a donor. This may help a woman to determine whether she’s at risk for fertility problems later in life. Without this information, many women wouldn’t know about these potential issues until it’s too late. Some may choose to freeze their eggs for fertility preservation. In fact, some clinics or agencies offer this service as part of their commitment to their egg donors.
Some egg donors also want the option to keep in contact with the intended parents and eventually meet the child. For them, egg donation offers the opportunity to create unique relationships. Others prefer to remain anonymous, and that’s completely acceptable too. There is no expectation one way or another. These very personal preferences are made explicit during the process, so there are no surprises down the line.
Ultimately, the biggest reward for an egg donor is their ability to gift life. Many couples would not be able to complete their family without the assistance of third-party reproduction. Donors make it all possible.
