Egg donation is a fertility treatment option in which a woman, known as the egg donor, provides her eggs to help another individual or couple achieve pregnancy and fulfill their dream of having a child. During the process, egg donors often experience a range of physical and emotional demands. This highlights the importance of compensation as a factor to consider when embarking on this journey. Compensation is intended to reimburse the donor for her time, effort, and any inconvenience or discomfort associated with the donation process.
Learning the components of egg donation compensation offers several advantages between the parties in terms of drafting the contract, decision-making, legal and ethical compliance, reduction of potential risks and misunderstandings, and managing expectations, among other benefits. In this article, we discuss the various components of egg donation compensation. It should be noted that the specifics may vary according to different state laws and regulations.
Base Compensation. This component acknowledges and addresses the potential physical and emotional challenges that donors may face. Base compensation for the donation covers the donor’s pain, suffering and any inconveniences.
Compensation After Injectable Medication. In some cases, the donor receives a portion of the base compensation when they begin the injectable medication. This rate is typically specified by the donor agency. A typical amount is around $700, but it may be higher if the compensation is above average.
Travel Expenses. This component includes the cost of the flight, hotel, ground transportation, meal allowance, and, in some cases, companion expenses, which may also include flight and a meal allowance. It covers both the initial screening and the retrieval trip. However, in some cases, local donors may not receive these benefits other than mileage.
Split. A 'split' refers to a share of the eggs if the number of retrieved eggs exceeds a certain threshold. In some cases, a donor may request a split instead of compensation, which involves receiving half of the eggs, for example. This component is considered rare.
We’ve discussed what are attributes that Intended Parents seek in a donor. The more distinguished a donor is, or the rarer her attributes are, the higher her compensation may be. Compensation is also influenced by the number of donations a donor has made. A repeat donor usually can receive higher compensation as there will be a record of how many eggs were retrieved each procedure.
If you are contemplating becoming an egg donor or a recipient and would like to navigate the complexities of compensation and legal aspects in the egg donation process, it is advisable to engage a lawyer specializing in reproductive law or assisted reproduction. Ensure that you select a reputable attorney with expertise in this field and licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
The attorneys at Tsong Law Group are licensed in California, New York, Illinois, Washington, Arizona, and Oklahoma and have been in practice for a number of years already. They also provide comprehensive legal support or contract drafting to ensure that the clients' egg donation journeys are well-managed, and their rights and interests are protected throughout the process. Contact us now for further information.