Donor Unknown

Jeffery said he was paid $50 per donation and was able to donate up to four times a week, which paid his rent. What are the financial/legal/ethical differences between sperm and egg donation?

The answer to this, depends where in the world you are. My understanding in the US is that egg donors are paid more than sperm donors for their donation. But in countries in Europe (such as the UK where I am) there is no real difference between the level of financial compensation given to donors. In most countries the legal framework for sperm and egg donation is the same, although in some countries this kind of donation is illegal. I hope that answers your question.

Thank you for your posts. It is interesting to hear about the differences between the UK and the US. I ashume women in the US are paid more for egg donation because it is a more invasive procedure, but interesting that in the UK the legal framework is the same.

My understanding is that there are very different ethical frameworks between the US and the UK. In the UK, whilst there is clearly a difference in the risk associated with sperm and egg donation, donors are only paid 'loss of earnings' and 'out of pocket expenses' so the sums received are more or less the same. In the US, there is a different system and donors are more overtly 'paid' for their donations. Egg donors command higher payments because of the increased risk but also because there is more of a 'market'.

The UK differs to the US when it comes to egg donation.

In the UK no woman can elect to take the required drugs in order to increase egg production solely for donation or financial payment/compensation.

However there is an Egg Sharing programme which allows one woman's surplus eggs to be donated to another woman who has a shortage. Both women are seeking to conceive and would be undergoing planned IVF treatment at the same time and hence not be required to undergo any unnecessary medical treatment. The donors medical costs are subsidised by the recipient.


FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE:www.hfea.gov.uk/1411.html

Dear smt,

What you describe about egg donation in the UK is not quite true.

Whilst in 2008 (the last year that figures are available) only 34% of egg donors were from egg sharers who were IVF patients. The vast majority (66%) were from non-patient egg donors. These are women who simply volunteer to be donors through altruism. Whilst some of these women may be known to the women receiving treatment (as a sister or a friend) many will not be known. These donors will receive the normal dose of stimulatory drugs to increase egg production in the same way that a woman being treated with her own eggs. They will also be eligible to claim expenses along the lines allowed by HFEA regulations.

You can find the latest data on the number of Egg Share Donors and Non-Patient Egg Donors at: www.hfea.gov.uk/3412.html

Allan