Become an Egg Donor
Donor eggs can be used for women with premature menopause, women who have not become pregnant after many IVF cycles and women who no longer have viable eggs of their own because of their age. An altruistic donor (sometimes a friend or family member) starts an IVF cycle but donates the eggs to the recipient. The recipient receives hormonal treatment so that her uterus is synchronised with the embryo's development.
If you are interested in becoming an egg donor you need to be aged between 21- 37 years, preferably have completed your own family, be a non-smoker and have no significant health issues. Click here for key information for donors and recipients.
What is the legal position?
The Status of Children Amendment Act of 1987 recognises the social mother (the woman who receives the eggs and gives birth) as the legal mother of the child. The egg donor does not have any legal rights or liabilities.
What about confidentiality?
All our files are confidential and no information will be released without your consent. You will have the opportunity to review the recipient couple’s profile and possibly met them if both parties agree.
Most couples plan to tell their child of his or her origins so we ask each donor to complete a questionnaire, which contains non-identifying information such as your interests and how you would describe yourself. This is passed on to the couple if they request it or to the child if he or she requests it.
What about the future?
All donors are asked to be identifiable to children born from the use of their eggs in the long term. This means that you would be willing to be contacted by the Clinic to disclose further information or to consider disclosing your identity. The request for contact may be from either the children born or their parents.
The practice of egg donation is governed by the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology (HART) Act 2004. An important principle of the Act is that offspring conceived through the use of donor sperm or donor eggs should be made aware by their parents of their genetic origins, and be able to secure information about the donor and his or her identity.
We feel it is very important that your husband or partner knows all about the issues involved with donating eggs. He is also asked to sign the consent form to say that he is aware that his partner is a donor and that he has sufficient information and advice. Our donor coordinators, doctors and counsellors are very happy to talk to both donors and their partners on any issue. The Clinic offers independent counsellors whose job is to help people make decisions and explore the implications of egg donation.
What information can I have?
We are happy to tell you how many pregnancies you have had and the sex of the children born, but to preserve anonymity we cannot give you any details of when births occur.
How do I become an Egg Donor?
You can donate to a friend or relative or you can donate to a couple unknown to you. If you are interested in receiving more information contact your nearest clinic on 0800 10 28 28 or email Auckland, Hamilton or Wellington.
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