Egg donor compensation increases in the UK

A recent meeting at the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) has brought about positive changes for egg donors in the UK. Currently, in the UK, if an individual donates their sperm at a clinic, they are compensated with £35 per visit. For egg donors, the compensation received upon donation at a clinic is £750. The landscape, however, has changed since HFEA carried out a large-scale public consultation on 1st October 2024, and discussed the proposed increase in egg donation compensation. How will this change impact your egg donation journey? Let’s find out.

What is egg donation? Why is there a need for it in the first place?

If you are new to the concept of egg donation, here is a simple explanation: Egg donation, as the name suggests, is the process where a fertile female (the donor) provides her egg(s) to another couple (the recipients) to be used during IVF with the goal of successful conception. This process is standard among couples who struggle with infertility issues or are unable to reproduce naturally.

The egg donation process is quite simple and mirrors the start of a regular IVF cycle. The donor first receives multiple hormone injections, which help prepare their body for the egg collection procedure. This primarily involves stimulation of the ovaries to produce an egg and further retrieving it using a small catheter inserted into the uterus via the cervix in a clinic. In the laboratory, the retrieved egg(s) will be washed, used, or frozen for later use. It will be mixed with the male (partner or donor) sperm and then implanted in the uterus of the expectant mother (the recipient). The pregnancy of the recipient couple is another journey in itself, which doesn’t involve the egg donor.

The need for egg donation has risen because many couples struggle to get pregnant naturally, as mentioned above. Fertility issues such as blocked fallopian tubes, poor quality sperm/egg, ovarian failure, and any genetic disorders can all contribute to the reasons for a couple seeking egg donation. However, egg donation not only extends to couples with infertility issues but also to couples who cannot reproduce biologically; case in point – same-sex or transgender couples. With broader acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community across nations, medical procedures such as sperm and egg donations allow for them to start a family. And the best part about egg donation? This altruistic act empowers donors to make a difference in society and make a substantial positive impact in someone’s life. The added financial compensation is just a bonus.   

The current landscape of egg donation in the UK

The HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) oversees the egg donation landscape in the UK. To regulate this process, the HFEA has established a regulatory framework and compensation packages and tried to improve access to treatment, making it a better experience for those involved.

Diving into the regulatory frameworks, firstly, according to the HFEA Act of 1990, to be eligible to donate eggs, a donor must conform to stringent health requirements and generally be a healthy person. This ensures the donor has no undisclosed genetic health conditions or reproductive problems.

Another rule for donors is that no donation can happen anonymously. For ethical reasons, the HFEA has decided that all eggs and sperm are donated non-anonymously. What does this mean? If a child is conceived using donated eggs or sperm, once they turn 18, they shall be eligible to get access to your details such as name and residing address. For many families, this helps them create transparency with their children to ensure an emotionally stable life.

In addition to the above, to incentivize people to donate and follow through on this altruistic act, the HFEA has set monetary compensation to cover expenses. This comes after observing the declining fertility levels in our society and how donations can make it easier for couples wishing to get IVF. Up until the proposal to increase compensation for donors was discussed, the male compensation for donating their sperm was £35 per visit. For females, this compensation was £750 for donating their eggs. However, the recent proposal talks about how rising inflation rates in the past few years have significantly impacted living costs and how the current compensation (not updated since 2011) was insufficient to justify the expenses endured during this process. Since then, it has risen to £45 for male sperm donation and £985 for female egg donation.

While the HFEA’s recent move to increase compensation for egg donations has been lauded, some activist groups disagree with this decision. Campaigners claim that the government is targeting women with low socio-economic backgrounds and trying to “monetize” donations. Aside from this, the overall sentiment has been very positive, with most people welcoming this change.

Should you donate your eggs?

Now, the real question: Should you become a donor? The choice is ultimately yours. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 who is healthy can donate. Most individuals donate to help individuals and couples achieve their dream of starting a family. Your choice to donate can also inspire others in your circle to do the same – driving a much-needed change in society. Statistics published by the HFEA show the need for more donors to come forward and fulfill the existing requirement, and choosing to donate can do more good than harm.

For those worried about the process, it’s essential to seek the care of a good fertility clinic; there are many offering egg donation in London. A good fertility clinic will educate you about the impact of your donation and how it may affect your health. Hence, you go in with your eyes open and all the relevant information to enable you to make an informed decision. They may schedule consultations, tests, and hormonal medication. All of the screening and tests are primarily included in the financial compensation provided by the HFEA, but you should discuss this in detail with your chosen fertility clinic. Please remember that whatever your decision may be, being confident about your choice is vital.