Thank you for your interest in finding out more about becoming an ovum donor. This generous act of donating eggs can make it possible for a couple to finally experience the joy of pregnancy and childbirth!

Basic Criteria: We welcome young women of all ethnicities, races, achievements and talents.

In order to becomes an ovum donor, you must:

• Be between the ages of 20-29

• Be physically and mentally in excellent health

• Be a nonsmoker, and use no drugs

• Not have lived in Europe for five years or longer
  

• Be height/weight proportionate

• Have no genetic diseases running in the family

• Be aware that the process involves the need to self-administer injections with a small, insulin-type syringe for about 20 days

• Be responsible, dependable, and able to keep a commitment

• Proven fertility appreciated but not necessary

The intended parents cover all costs for the procedure and expenses involved. An honorarium of $7,000 ($7,500 for repeat donors) is given to the donor in recognition of her time, effort and commitment.

things to know

1. 70% of all donors donate more than once.

2. Total time commitment is about 40 hours.

3. If you have a partner, the partner needs to be medically screened with a blood test.

4. No sexual intercourse during the donation month.

5. No secondhand smoke or drugs.

6. No travel during the month unless an emergency arises.

7. No vigorous exercise during the cycle.

8. Depo-Provera and Norplant must be discontinued for six months before donating.

9. Many report that it is an extremely rewarding experience but does require commitment and follow-through.

Ovum (egg) donation allows a woman to become pregnant using the eggs donated by a young woman, whose fertility is at its highest. The donated eggs are fertilized with the father's sperm (or donor sperm) in a laboratory (in vitro) and after a few days, the embryos are transferred into the intended mother.

Recent statistics show that up to 60-70% of families receiving ovum donation are able to experience having a baby. The joy of this is hard to imagine as these children are so deeply wanted. It is especially exciting when you compare this to the fact that the chances of getting pregnant for a couple with proven fertility for any cycle is 20-30%.

Ovum donation has been practiced in the United States for over 20 years . It has a long safety record and has provided many couples with the opportunity to have a child. The "donor egg" procedure is a variation of "in vitro fertilization" which has produced over 1,000,000 babies worldwide since its inception over 25 years ago.

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