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The process begins when Fertility Connections
sends the donor an initial donor information letter ,
which contains an overview of what to expect during the ovum donation
process. She calls Fertility Connections and we conduct a phone
screen to ensure that the basic guidelines are met.
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We then send the prospective donor a " donor packet " that includes an extensive, detailed questionnaire which allows a view into the life of the prospective donor including her interests, goals, and passions as well as her family and individual health history, but has no identifying information. We also send detailed information about the procedure, medications, sample donor calendar, frequently asked questions, and information about how the matching process works.
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An appointment is set up to meet with the donor for a face-to- face interview. We review the application and other forms and have an opportunity to get to know someone. After this review and interview, we evaluate the application to determine if the donor is qualified to be included in the donor registry.
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After acceptance, Fertility Connections scans
photos of the donor, both current and as a child. We
also ask for photos of her parents and any children that the prospective
donor may have. We copy her driver's license or birth
certificate for our internal records . After joining our registry,
the amount of time until someone is selected by an intended parent varies.
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When intended parents call to express interest in working with Fertility Connections, we send them our initial Intended Parent information letter . We also send out information on how our service works, the matching process and a number of educational articles on things to consider when choosing a donor. We either set up an appointment to come to our Mill Valley office to review the detailed donor profiles or give a password to view abbreviated donor profiles on our website . Identifying information is kept strictly confidential.
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Intended parents select a donor who feels like the " right fit" for their family. This is both an analytical and intuitive process. We can provide guidance if requested.
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When interest is expressed , Fertility Connections informs the prospective donor that there are intended parents who may be interested in working with her. Intended parents may request that there be no contact with the donor, or they may ask for a brief phone conversation or a meeting facilitated by us (if the donor has agreed to contact.) Further questions may be asked or clarification requested. Donors may also request non-identifying information about intended parents. It is often helpful for the intended parents to write a brief letter describing their situation and desire for a baby. This helps the young woman to understand the importance of what she is doing and the appreciation in which she is held.
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The intended parents and the donor decide they would like to work together . (We will place a 24-hour hold on a donor to allow the intended parents and the donor time to consider if they would like to work together.)
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After 24 hours, a non-refundable advance of $ 500.00 on the administrative fee is given to Fertility Connections by the intended parents. This places a hold on the selected donor and we proceed with the clearance procedure. The intended parents sign a service agreement with Fertility Connections at this time that describes details of our working agreement.
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The information on the match request
is forwarded to the infertility physician so that they have an opportunity
to review the questionnaire.
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Clearance consists of three parts.
We assist the prospective donor in obtaining a psychological evaluation through an interview session with a psychologist trained in the field. The evaluation is very important and has a dual purpose. It serves to assure the intended parents that the donor is psychologically prepared to commit to the process and understands the details of that commitment. It also gives the prospective donor the opportunity to review what she is doing from different perspectives and contemplate consequences.
A background check , similar to a pre-employment procedure, can be run. We are happy to share any information with the donor.
Once psychological clearance is received, we assist the donor in scheduling her medical screening appointment with the fertility clinic where the intended parents are receiving care. (Prospective donor, please see the description of the medical process in detail for more information.)
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When psychological clearance is given, Fertility
Connections sends out the Egg Donation Contract ,
which addresses all legal considerations for both parties. It clarifies
mutual responsibilities and financial arrangements. The contract states
that the donor is giving all rights to the eggs and embryos produced
to the intended parents and the intended parents agree to assume full
responsibility. All remaining fees are due to Fertility Connections
at this time and the prospective donor's honorarium is placed in
a client trust account. Please note that the signed contracts and all
fees must be received before the donor has her medical screening appointment.
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The infertility physician is solely responsible for medical clearance and approval of the prospective donor for entering into the ovum donation process. The testing consists of a series of blood tests, cervical cultures, a physical exam and a vaginal ultrasound. The physician and his office do a thorough review of the detailed questionnaire and family and individual health history. When all is approved, medical clearance is given.
- The date for beginning the actual egg donation cycle is now decided. Once the cycle begins, it takes approximately three weeks from start to finish. We ask that the prospective donor keep Fertility Connections informed of ALL appointments with the physician in order to enable us to provide any needed support.
There can be variations of this process as each case is individual.
