Egg “Donation”

The current difficult economic climate has prompted an increase in applications from women who want to provide their eggs in exchange for large payments, highlighting the ethical issue of offering compensation for human gametes.  Women are paid several thousands of dollars for their eggs, but in the process they expose themselves to very serious, potentially fatal, health risks.  In Focus takes a look at this controversial and important issue of egg donation.  Please note: Inclusion of the materials below does not necessarily indicate endorsement of the views contained therein.

N.Y. to Pay for Eggs for Stem Cell Research The Washington Post 6.26.09 

New York State Allows Payment for Egg Donations for Research The New York Times 6.26.09

NY Stem Cell Board Agrees to Pay State Money for Women’s Eggs Press Release

As egg donations mount, so do health concerns TIME Magazine 3.31.09

 Recession spurs egg and sperm donations Boston Globe 4.7.09

 Ova Time: women like up to donate eggs -- for money Wall Street Journal 12.9.08

 Trading on the female body (video) The Center for Bioethics and Culture

 Egg donor ethics Religion and Ethics Newsweekly

 As demand for eggs soar, high prices stir ethical concerns New York Times 5.15.07

 Ethics, eggs and embryos Newsweek 06.20.05

 Egg extraction for stem cell research: issues for women’s health Center for Genetics and Society

 Egg donation for IVF and stem cell research: time to weigh the risk to women’s health by Judy Norsigian (DifferenTakes Issue Paper Series)

Diane Beeson testimony before the U.S. Congress on topic of egg donation