Egg Donation Increase Fueled by Worsening Economy

Fox News reported yesterday a nationwide increase in women donating eggs (ova) to fertility clinics to offset the effects of a worsening economy. Fox interviewed officials at the Center for Egg Options in Illinois who experienced a 30% increase in egg donations since April and attributed the surge to worsening economic conditions. Egg donors receive payments from $3,000-$7,000 per egg donation procedure according to sources cited in the article.

Ironically, the same economic forces that spur an increase in egg donations may be dampening the prospects for women who would like to become pregnant using in vitro fertilization (IVF), Womensenews reported. Many women are said to be giving up on the procedure after one or two unsucessful treatments due to the cost. Sources cited in the Womensenews article place the annual number of successful IVF pregnancies in the United States at 1000.

While it is legal for fertility clinics to pay women for egg donations, most research facilities have rules, designed to protect the public, that preclude payment for egg donations. Thus, while fertility clinics are reporting a surge in egg donations, research facilities are bemoaning a shortage of eggs. Some researchers are encouraging the reevaluation of rules banning payment for egg donations to research clinics, claiming the rules hinder stem cell research. There is no Federal law precluding research facilities from paying for egg donations; a summary of global laws affecting egg donation, current through last year, can be found here.

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