When a couple is not being helped through the various medical procedures available (like in vitro fertilization), they will often consider using donor eggs. These allow an infertile woman to carry a child and give birth. The use of donor eggs is becoming more common especially in women over 40. Most egg donation is anonymous, but there are times when the couple knows the donor.
An egg donor contract should always be in place. This document will specify, in detail, about the conditions regarding the donation, birth, and any future contact between the parties — including the child.
By using a fertility clinic, you can select from pre-screened candidates. Some couples prefer to bypass the clinic with its long list of requests and work through other agencies or registries. Some people will even place ads for potential donors through newspapers, colleges, or other publications.
Age is a critical factor and some programs have restrictions. Some won’t accept donors who are older than their mid-20s. The latest recommendations suggest egg donors be under the age of 34.
The screenings should include detailed information about medical history, including mental health, background, education, and lifestyle. You may also want to have a separate entity perform a criminal background check.
Working on your own means you need to complete all the interviews and screenings on your own. This can be very time consuming and sometimes frustrating. During the evaluation process, don’t skimp on the testing. Be sure they are screened for genetic disorders and diseases.
There are also legal issues involved like parental rights and opportunities for the child to seek their biological parent.
As you can tell, there’s a lot to consider and decide when opting for an egg donor. If it is something you wish to pursue, make sure to do your homework and interview at reputable clinics and agencies to see if this process is right for you.
