Egg donation is a procedure where a woman with healthy eggs donates them to another woman who is undergoing fertility treatment. Supplying donor eggs is an extraordinary act, because it can help a couple to have a child that would otherwise have been impossible.
You can be an egg donor for someone you know, such as a family member who is unable to conceive using their own eggs. Or you can donate your eggs to help unknown people to start a family, but is it legal in the UK and what are the requirements? Read on to find out more about egg donation…
Who can donate their eggs?
Egg Donation isn’t for everyone and there are particular requirements that need to be considered in order to become a donor. It is recommended it that an egg donor should be aged between 21 and 30. They will also need to undergo several health checks to ensure that they do not carry any serious diseases or infections that could be passed on to the baby or mother.
Who can receive donor eggs?
It is possible to donate eggs to a friend or family member. However, there are restrictions on mixing egg and sperm of close relatives. Usually, donating eggs to female relatives is not a cause for concern.
Is egg donation legal and what are the costs?
In the UK, egg donation is legal; however it is illegal to pay a woman for her eggs. Instead egg donors may receive up to £750 in compensation to help cover any costs.
What are the legal rights of egg donors?
Egg donation is not a decision to take lightly. There are many emotional and legal factors to consider before deciding to become an egg donor or a donor recipient. One of the most important factors to consider is the legal rights or responsibilities over any children born from egg donation.
In the UK, an egg donor has no legal rights or responsibilities over any children born as a result of a donation. They will also have no say over their upbringing or be required to pay anything towards their care. However, any children born from a donation can contact their biological parent via HFEA when they reach the age of 18.
