Egg donation is the voluntary medical process of providing oocytes, or eggs, to assist individuals or couples who are unable to conceive using their own eggs. It is an act that offers a path to parenthood for many people struggling with infertility. The process involves a structured medical protocol, strict legal agreements, and significant personal commitment from the donor. This article outlines the specific requirements and procedures for donating eggs within the state of California.
Eligibility Requirements and Screening
Prospective donors must generally fall within a defined age range, typically between 21 and 30 years old, as this period is associated with optimal ovarian reserve and egg quality. Physical health criteria include maintaining a Body Mass Index (BMI) under 28, being a non-smoker, and abstaining from illegal drug use.
The initial screening involves a detailed review of the donor’s personal and three-generation family medical history to identify inherited genetic conditions. Educational background, usually a high school diploma or GED, is also assessed. If the initial application is approved, the donor moves into a multi-stage clinical screening process.
This evaluation includes blood tests to assess hormone levels, such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), and extensive genetic testing. Infectious disease screening is mandatory, checking for conditions like HIV, Hepatitis, and various sexually transmitted infections. Finally, a psychological evaluation by a licensed professional is required to ensure the donor fully understands the emotional and physical implications of the process.
The Medical Procedure: Step-by-Step
Once a donor is medically cleared and matched, the physical process begins with cycle synchronization, often using oral contraceptive pills to align the donor’s cycle with the recipient’s or the clinic’s schedule. The donor then begins the ovarian stimulation phase, which typically lasts between 9 and 14 days. This involves the daily, self-administered injection of fertility medications to encourage multiple follicles to mature simultaneously.
Throughout the stimulation phase, the donor attends regular monitoring appointments, usually three to five visits, which include transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests. These checks allow the physician to track the growth of the egg-containing follicles and adjust medication dosages as needed. This careful monitoring is done to maximize egg yield while minimizing the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
When the follicles reach an optimal size, the donor administers a “trigger shot,” an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a similar medication, which initiates the final maturation of the eggs. Retrieval must occur approximately 34 to 36 hours later. The retrieval itself is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed under light intravenous sedation, where a thin needle guided by ultrasound gently aspirates the fluid and eggs from the follicles.
The procedure lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, after which the donor is monitored in a recovery area for a few hours. Donors may experience mild side effects, such as bloating, cramping, or breast tenderness, which usually subside within a few days. Following the retrieval, a follow-up appointment with an ultrasound is conducted to confirm the ovaries are healing correctly and to provide clearance for the donor to resume normal activities.
Legal Contracts and Donor Rights in California
California has comprehensive laws regarding assisted reproductive technology, providing strong legal protection for egg donors. Before any medical procedures begin, a legally binding contract must be executed between the donor and the intended parents. The donor must retain independent legal counsel, the cost of which is covered entirely by the intended parents.
The contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. A fundamental component is the explicit relinquishment of all parental rights and obligations by the donor. This ensures the resulting child is legally recognized solely as the offspring of the intended parents.
Contracts also specify the terms of contact, establishing whether the arrangement will be anonymous, semi-open, or fully open. Anonymous donation means no identifying information is exchanged, while open arrangements permit some level of future contact. These legal agreements also cover medical insurance for the donation cycle and provisions for the use of any remaining eggs or embryos.
Compensation and Financial Logistics
Donors are compensated for the significant commitment of time, effort, and physical discomfort involved in egg donation. In California, compensation is among the highest nationally due to the high cost of living and strong demand. First-time donors typically receive a base compensation ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 per completed cycle.
This financial exchange is compensation for the time and commitment required, not payment for the eggs themselves, which is illegal. This compensation is usually paid to the donor shortly after the egg retrieval procedure is successfully completed.
Beyond the base fee, all expenses related to the donation cycle are covered separately by the intended parents. Covered costs include medical and psychological screening, fertility medications, legal fees for the donor’s attorney, and any necessary travel or accommodation expenses. The donor should never incur any out-of-pocket costs related to the donation process.