Egg Donor


In today's climate, it seems as if everything is possible; small businesses become hot open-market trading tickets and hometown farmers become rock star idols. However, for some, what seems like the simplest, most natural ability of humankind is unfortunately terribly out of reach: the ability to reproduce. In a world of delicate technology, the medical profession has given many opportunities for the modern family to form, oftentimes through the help of an egg donor.

What is an Egg Donor?

An egg donor is a third party female who donates her ova for in vitro fertilization. Egg donors are generally preferred to be between the ages of 20-35, and are screened and evaluated for risks including both sexually transmitted diseases and genetic disorders. Some donors may also be subjected to IQ or physical fitness testing if requested and accepted by both parties.

Procedure for Harvesting Eggs

As there is generally only one viable egg per cycle, donors are oftentimes given fertility drugs to promote multiple egg production. The eggs are then retrieved from the donor through an invasive medical procedure, fertilized, and then the resulting zygote(s) are placed in the uterus of the infertile female for gestation, or pregnancy. The resulting child will not have any genetic similarities to the carrier mother if they were not already blood relatives.

Common Egg Recipients

Egg donation is a viable solution for women who may be infertile due to a genetic disorder or reproductive age. The peak age for fertility in women is generally considered to be around 27, after which it levels off and then begins to decline after 37. It is also advisable for women who may risk passing on serious genetic disorders to their children, as well as for those who may have lost their ovaries due to injury or cancer, yet still have a viable uterus.

Why Donate Eggs?

Women donate their eggs for a variety of reasons. Some find financially beneficial incentives while others feel the emotional fulfillment of providing a child for a wanting couple. Still others may be motivated to help a family member or close friend conceive. Donations may be open, semi-open, or anonymous, and may involve a series of face to face interviews or simply a computer printout of physical and mental characteristics and capabilities of the donor. However, no matter the manner in which the donor is secured, it is important to go through the proper legal channels to insure the desired transfer of custody from the biological egg donor to the recipients.

By Barbara Poelle           


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