HFEA expresses concern about financial incentives for egg donation
02 December 2002
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has expressed concern about reports that young women students are being encouraged to sell their eggs in donation programmes based in the United States of America.
It is extremely important that people consider carefully the implications of egg donation, while it may seem an attractive way to make money, it is a procedure that is not without risk.
The risks and possible side-effects from medication include hot flushes, headaches and sleeplessness. More serious but less common risks include ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome which causes fluid retention, abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting.
Egg collection involves a laparoscopy which carries the usual minor risks and side-effects of any procedure involving a general anaesthetic.
Ends
Notes to editors
Laparoscopy - surgical procedure for looking inside the pelvic cavity. Usually under a general anaesthetic, a small cut is made below the navel and a fine optical instrument is inserted.
Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome - a very rare but serious side-effect of the hormone drugs.
UK egg and sperm donors are paid a nominal fee of £15 and reasonable expenses.
For further information please contact the HFEA press office.
Page last updated: 12 March 2009