Egg donation is a process where a woman provides her eggs to help an individual or couple conceive a child. California is a major center for reproductive medicine, driven by advanced fertility clinics and high demand for donor services. The state’s established medical infrastructure and progressive legal framework make it a significant hub. Understanding the multi-stage process, from initial application to medical recovery, is the first step for those considering this commitment.
Eligibility Standards and Initial Vetting
The journey begins with a strict initial screening to ensure the donor’s health and reproductive fitness. Agencies seek candidates between 21 and 30 years old, as this age range ensures optimal egg quality and ovarian response. A healthy body mass index (BMI), usually between 18 and 28, is required to minimize medical risks during the hormone stimulation phase.
Applicants must demonstrate a healthy lifestyle, including being a non-smoker and having no history of illicit drug use. Most programs require a review of the candidate’s educational background, often preferring a high school diploma or higher, as this information is frequently requested by intended parents. These foundational criteria are assessed through a detailed preliminary application and medical history questionnaire.
The Comprehensive Screening Process
Once initial eligibility is established, a rigorous multi-stage screening verifies the donor’s suitability for a donation cycle. Medical vetting includes a transvaginal ultrasound to assess ovarian health and count resting follicles. Blood tests measure hormone levels, such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), which estimates the donor’s ovarian reserve.
Comprehensive infectious disease testing is required, including screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and STIs. A genetic evaluation is also performed, involving expanded carrier screening. A certified genetic counselor reviews the donor’s three-generation family health history to identify potential risks of inheritable conditions.
The final stage involves a psychological evaluation with a licensed mental health professional. This assessment ensures the donor is mentally stable and fully understands the emotional and long-term implications of the donation, including waiving all parental rights. This thorough vetting protects the donor’s health and maximizes the chances of a successful outcome.
Understanding the Legal and Compensation Framework
California’s legal environment provides contractual protection for all parties involved in egg donation. Before the medical cycle begins, the donor must sign a legally binding contract. This contract explicitly states that she waives all parental rights and responsibilities to any resulting child, ensuring the donor has no legal obligation.
Compensation for the donor’s time and commitment is standard practice, reflecting the high demand. First-time donors typically receive a base compensation ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 per completed cycle. All donation-related expenses, including medical costs, travel, monitoring, and legal counsel fees, are paid by the intended parents.
The legal contract also clarifies the intended level of contact. Donations can be structured as anonymous, or as “open” or “identity-release,” which allows the child to contact the donor upon reaching adulthood. California law ensures that all financial terms and contact stipulations are agreed upon before any medication is started.
The Medical Procedure and Recovery
The stimulation phase begins with the donor self-administering injectable hormonal medications for about 10 to 12 days. These medications encourage multiple ovarian follicles to mature simultaneously. The donor attends frequent monitoring appointments for blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds to track follicle development and adjust medication dosages.
Once the follicles reach the appropriate size, a final injection, known as the “trigger shot,” is administered to finalize the eggs’ maturation. The egg retrieval occurs approximately 36 hours later and is a minor outpatient surgery performed under light intravenous sedation. A fertility physician uses an ultrasound-guided needle inserted through the vaginal wall to aspirate the fluid and eggs from the ovarian follicles.
The procedure typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes, followed by monitoring in a recovery area. Donors are advised to rest for the remainder of the day and often for the following 24 to 48 hours. Common side effects include mild cramping, bloating, and spotting, which are managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most donors can resume normal, non-strenuous activities within a day or two.