Why Does Nurture Need To Know So Much About An Egg Donor’s Family Medical History?

At Nurture, we are inspired by the incredible strides today’s young women are taking, fearlessly driving positive change in the world. They are empowered and show a non-stop determination to make a difference. We admire their courage to question the status quo and shape a better future! What’s even more remarkable is that many of these extraordinary women choose to become egg donors, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of others. Their compassion and selflessness are awe-inspiring.

As part of the process of egg donation, they need to disclose a comprehensive list of personal and family medical history. This step leaves many women asking why we need to know so much about their family medical history. Why is it so crucial to provide detailed information about your family’s medical history when registering as an egg cell donor?

We can answer your question by focussing on three reasons. But let’s start at the beginning. As an aspiring donor, you’ll be asked to carefully review a list of medical conditions and identify any that are present within your immediate biological family. This includes your parents, siblings, and grandparents. The list of questions consists of a wide range of physical and psychiatric health concerns, like epilepsy, cancer, ADHD, and depression. While it might seem like a lot of personal information to divulge, understanding the reasons behind these inquiries is key to appreciating their importance.

Financial and psychological investment.

First and foremost, when prospective parents invest their hopes, dreams, and financial resources into starting a family, they have a lot on the line. The costs associated with medical treatments can be substantial, particularly when surrogacy is involved. By gathering a comprehensive understanding of the genetic background and potential health risks, intended parents can make well-informed decisions and minimise any possible complications or challenges that may affect their chance of a healthy pregnancy. Remember, each IVF treatment accrues hope and financial investment.

Ethical reasons.

The ethical aspect is another compelling reason for collecting detailed information about your family’s medical history. We all want to provide a new life with the best possible chance of a healthy and fulfilling future, right? That’s why potential parents and fertility experts go above and beyond, diligently collecting comprehensive background information. It allows them to identify any genetic predispositions or hereditary conditions that might impact the well-being of the future baby. This comprehensive approach ensures that the child’s health and happiness take centre stage right from the start.

Helping future parents make informed decisions.

In South Africa, the law requires donors to remain anonymous. While this is to protect privacy and confidentiality, we understand that it can be challenging for prospective parents who want as much information as possible about the donor. Sharing information about your medical background puts potential parents’ minds at because it opens a door for them to make well-informed choices. Nurture understands the rollercoaster journey that intended parents have lived through – we want to give them all the reassurance they need.

At Nurture, we want to assure potential donors that disclosing specific medical information does not automatically disqualify them from becoming egg donors. We understand that everyone’s medical history is unique, and we have a comprehensive and fair system in place to evaluate each case individually. Even if specific medical concerns are present within your family, it doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot contribute as an egg donor. Our dedicated team of experts carefully assesses each donor’s situation, considering various factors to ensure the safety and well-being of both donors and recipients. We believe in open communication and personalised care, working closely with potential donors to provide guidance and support throughout the process.

Are you a young, strong woman ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of others? At Nurture, we invite you to have a look at the egg donor criteria. Would you consider the selfless and transformative journey of registering as an egg donor? Join us in creating a world where dreams of parenthood come true!

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Tertia

Tertia Albertyn is the founder of Nurture - South Africa’s longest-running and most successful Egg Donation Program. An accomplished speaker and an award-winning published author, as well as an ex-infertility patient herself, she is highly regarded in South Africa and internationally for the work she does in infertility. Tertia was instrumental in establishing the first FDA-approved frozen donor egg bank in Africa. Tertia has an MBA from the University of Cape Town and lives in Cape Town, South Africa with her husband and three children.