Donating Eggs to Make (Financial) Ends Meet.
CNN writes in a recent article, Dim economy drives woman to donate eggs for profit, that fertility clinics across the country are reporting they are fielding more calls lately from women interested in egg donation that this time last year. They cite people like Robin von Halle, president of Alternative Reproductive Resources, who reports that her Chicago agency is currently getting up to 50 calls a day. This time last year, they were only recieving 10 to 30 calls a day.
But is it hard cold cash or increased awareness that is fueling this apparent surge in egg donation interest?
Given that these are tough economic times and an egg donor can recevie compensation in the range of $5000 to $10000, it stands to reason that there is a strong financial motive behind becoming an egg donor. But while money might be the initial motivator, most woman would not do this without an underlying desire to help infertile couples have children.
It might sound like easy money but it’s not. Egg donation is an extensive, and potentially dangerous, procedure. First, there’s the series of psychological and physical exams that any potential donor has to undergo. It’s a process that can take over a month and will eliminate up to 90% of those who apply.
If accepted, donors then have to a daily fertility drug injection for a couple of weeks or more. And then there’s the egg procurement, an invasive procedure involving a large thin needle, done in the operating theater while the woman is sedated.
Plus, there are risks ranging from mild short time risks such as abdominal pain, bloating, and weight gain to more serious long term risks such as enlarged ovaries (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome).
Definitely not a walk in the park.
And definitely not something that, in my mind, any woman would do simply for the money.
What do you think?
It’s nice to read about the reality of donating an egg. The first time I heard about the money they give for compensation, I thought it was so much for something many people could do.
Yeah, I agree, it was interesting to find out what exactly is involved. And I do believe that those woman who do donate eggs do so, not just for the money. But looking at what is involved, I think without the money, there would be far fewer women willing to do it…
I actually just went through the egg donation process, and I can tell you that no amount of money could have made me give myself nightly injections, knowing it was making my body go against its natural course. I did not feel good throughout the process which lasted for months, and ended up in the ICU a week after retreival due to complications with hyperstimulation (This happens to less than 1% of donors). So potentially, its very dangerous. I do know women who have gone through the whole process without complications, but that is not always the case. Though I went through #$%# and back, I am glad I did it. Two families now have my eggs and feel so good knowing I helped them. The compensation is temporary; money quickly goes, but the families that donors help are forever changed. If I did not have the complications, I would have done it again.
i would like to donate eggs for an infurtial person and would like to know how much money they would pay you
This is something I have certainly thought about, especially with having mounting graduate debt. But also because I was adopted into my family because my parents could not have children, knowing the joy that my birth mother gave my parents makes me want to be able to help other couples who want children but can’t have them. It can be an amazing gift to someone, but I would be lying if I said that the money was not a huge factor.
I’m 27 yrs of age I have a 3 yr old daughter I live in Anaheim Ca and would like to donate my eggs. I dont mean to be so forward but I would also be very interested in some type of financial help. Money is a huge factor for me. Please me 81angelica@live.com
I’m getting ready to go to school soon and I’m worried of how I’ll pay for my car. I can use the money also. please let me know where I can donate also. Thank you-darlene_aranda@yahoo.com
Hey, I’ve been considering donating my eggs to an wonderful family who are unable to conceive..Seeing that i just gave birth to my first child, I couldnt imagine my life without having him.. so I would like to help someone else..and I also want to be honest and say money has a big part in this as well, going towards taking care of our son… If interested contact me at Taralove722@aol.com with more information.. thanks
Hi,
I’m 40 years old and intersted in donating eggs for money. Can someone advice me what to do ?
Hi, we are two 18 and 20 year olds who wish to donate eggs, We are British and would need expenses paid but are genuinely interested in doing this for a family less fortunate than ourselves. We are clever, not overweight & have no family illness, do not smoke or take drugs, We are desirable candidates – Willing to travel whenever
E-mail us on staceyarmour@msn.com
I JUST WANT TO SAY I DIDNT EVEN KNOW THAT YOU COULD GET THAT MUCH FOR DONATING AN EGG. I NEVER REALLY WAS IN IT FOR THE MONEY ONLY BECAUSE THE EXPERIENCE ALONE OF HAVING A CHILD IS OVERWHELMING. I THINK THAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE SUCH A BLESSING. IM 24, ITALIAN, 5′9, BROWN LONGG HAIR, HAZEL EYES, HEALTHY, AND BRIGHT. I JUST RECENLTY GRAUATED AT THE TOP OF MY CLASS WITH A CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE AND IM ALL ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE. IF YOUR WILLING TO LET ME OPEN YOUR HEART AND EYES TO A NEW WORLD ID BE MORE THAN HAPPY. JUST EMAIL ME italiantgodess@yahoo.com.