Donating eggs for research: safeguarding donors

The HFEA is responsible for regulating IVF treatments and embryo research. This includes the donation of eggs and sperm if they are to be stored or used to create embryos. 

The SEED review last year examined the issues raised in the donation of gametes and embryos for treatment purposes. This project focused on the issues raised specifically by donation for research.

Researchers have proposed obtaining eggs specifically for use in research either through non-patient donation or through egg sharing schemes.

'Donating eggs for research: safeguarding donors' considered the issues associated with the donation of eggs for research.  The consultation gave members of the public an opportunity to share their views on whether egg donation for research should take place and, if so, how to best protect the donors.

Download a copy of the consultation (220 Kb)

Download the consultation report (201 Kb)

Key decisions made by Authority

Background papers

Donor motivation literature review (50 Kb)

Summary of Edinburgh meeting (41 Kb)

Further issues for consideration (36 Kb)

Page last updated: 26 July 2007