Frequently Asked Questions on Egg Donation Compensation
If you are seriously thinking of becoming an egg donor then chances are that you are also thinking of the important aspect of egg donation compensation. Generally, fertility programs offer payment compensation to successful egg donors for their effort, time, and anxiety. And since there is so much debate surrounding compensation, it is highly desirable that we examine this issue closely before you set out to donate an egg.
What Factors Determine the Amount of Egg Compensation?
The amount that a donor gets for compensation depends on a number of factors. Key considerations include the donor’s location, previous donations, and ethnic background. The amount of compensation also varies depending on the fertility program that a donor chooses. Matters regarding compensation are often discussed in greater detail during consultation.
What is The Average Compensation for Egg Donors?
The Fertility and Sterility Journal (May, 2007) edition indicated that egg donors in the US received an average compensation of $4,217. Egg donors from the North West were paid an average of $2,900 while those from the North East received approximately $5,000 as compensation. The amount of compensation for egg donation could now be higher because of increased demand for donor eggs.
Does the Quality of Eggs and Success of Donation Determine Compensation?
Generally, fertility programs do not peg compensation on the quality of eggs or number of eggs retrieved from a donor. This means that egg donors should be compensated the whole amount that was promised by the fertility agency once they complete the egg cycle and fulfill their responsibilities. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine stipulates that egg donation compensation should not vary because of the number of donations, ethnic diversity, qualifications, or the outcome of past donations.
When Should Donors be Paid their Compensation?
Egg donors are supposed to receive immediate payments from fertility programs once their eggs have been retrieved. This may be anything from 1 to 3 days after the procedure and should be mentioned at the time of consultation. You should also receive full payment regardless of the number or quality of eggs retrieved.
Can a Donor Earn more than $10,000 for donating eggs?
Sometimes, couples may be interested in egg donors who have specific personal qualities. Such couples may offer higher payments if they find the qualities that they want. You should check newspaper classifieds to see if there are donor egg recipients who offer payments for attributes that match your personality.
How Much Should Egg Donors Receive from Fertility Programs?
Fertility programs that abide by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) code of ethics are required to set the egg donation compensation at $10,000 per cycle. In fact most reputable agencies acknowledge this requirement and those who abide by the guidelines of the ASRM are considered less reputable. Though it may not be illegal to receive higher payments, it may be considered unethical. You should consult your attorney whenever you are offered more than the stipulated amount.
Can I Get Compensation for Donating eggs for stem cell research?
Yes, you can get paid for donating eggs for stem cell research. Egg donors who donate eggs for this purpose are paid by the state. New York is the first state to fund stem cell research from tax payers’ money. More states are following suit because of the immense value of stem cell research in the treatment of debilitating illnesses.
Does the State Tax Egg Donation Compensation?
As of now, there is no express law that says egg donors should be taxed. Many people also believe that it is unethical to tax money paid for egg donations because it covers the efforts and discomfort experienced by donors. Nonetheless, fertility programs are expected to report all donor compensations to the IRS. As a donor, it is your sole responsibility to report submits the Form 1099 from the recipient agency when reporting your income to the IRS.
As a reminder, you should try to understand the terms of engagement on all matters pertaining to compensation before you sign any contract with a fertility agency. You should also commit yourself to working with reputable fertility agencies that honor their end of the bargain. Now that you have a solid grasp of egg donation compensation issues, you can confidently explore the opportunities that exist and get just compensation for your donation.
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Video By: The San Diego Fertility Center
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