Embryo donation
In order to become an embryo donor, you will need to fulfill certain criteria to establish your suitability.
Age limits - With embryo donation, the egg donor should be aged between 18 and 35, and the sperm donor between 18 and 45. In exceptional circumstances a clinic may accept donors outside this age bracket.
Screening - Before you donate you will be required to undergo certain screening tests in order to reduce the risks of passing on diseases or deformities to any resultant child.
Consent - It is a legal requirement for written consent of both the sperm and egg donor to be documented for the use of donated embryos in treatment.
You can change or withdraw your consent at any time up to the point at which the embryos are used in treatment.
Payment - Payment of donors is prohibited. You can however claim ‘reasonable expenses’ for travel and loss of earnings.
The amount you can claim will depend on the time your donation takes. Donors can claim up to £61.28 for each full day and up to a maximum of £250 per cycle of egg donation.
This maximum applies to loss of earnings – not the cost of the out-of-pocket expenses. This decision was a result of a consultation on sperm, eggs and embryo donation – the SEED review.
Further information
Page last updated: 12 April 2011
Get monthly updates on HFEA news, policy and guidance sent to your inbox.