Choosing an egg donor is a big, thrilling, overwhelming job to take on – especially in the complex social environment we live in today. Because there’s so much to consider, egg donor programmes usually put donors through important screening to give you peace of mind and enough information to make an informed decision. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case when choosing private egg donors, so here’s what to consider before going down that road:
Necessary tests
An egg donor should undergo a medical assessment involving a gynaecological checkup where the fertility specialist will do an internal ultrasound to look at their ovaries. This is to make sure they are healthy and that the donor has a sufficient number of eggs. The doctor will also do a general health checkup, a medical questionnaire, and some blood tests for infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
Background information
Relying on private egg donors to always provide accurate background information isn’t advised. Candidates should ideally be screened for emotional well-being and things like their family’s history of mental illness. Hereditary diseases like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in their immediate family mean a donor wouldn’t qualify to donate.
Legal issues
A major consideration with far-reaching consequences is the legality of an egg donor agreement. Egg donor programmes cover all legal bases with their agreements so that no unfortunate legal situations arise down the line. Private egg donor agreements are seldom all-encompassing, and this opens intended parents up to possible future risks.
Financial concerns
It is illegal in South Africa to charge or pay for donated eggs and sperm. So, if a private egg donor’s eggs come with a price tag, that is an unlawful act and can result in charges against both parties (if you choose to pay the private donor). Egg donor programmes like ours don’t pay egg donors for their eggs.
Instead, donors are paid for their time and participation in the programme. Any private donors actively selling their eggs should be reported to the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy, as well as the relevant local authorities.
Choose South Africa’s most successful egg bank
At Nurture, we take your journey so seriously that we’ve made sure we abide by the egg donation guidelines and ethics of the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy Regulations (SASREG). Our frozen donor egg programme, in partnership with Aevitas Fertility Clinic, is the first of its kind to achieve FDA accreditation. When picking our egg bank over a private egg donor, you know that every box is ticked and every care has been taken. Reach out to the Nurture ladies today to find out more.
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