Conceiving with Donor Egg

In cases where the intended mother's eggs are not viable, for whatever reason, donor eggs are needed for embryo creation and subsequent implantation into the uterus of the intended mother or gestational carrier. Donor eggs are also required for same sex male parents.

Egg donation is typically an anonymous process: the egg donor does not know precisely where her eggs will be going, and the intended parents are not given the identifying information of the egg donor. However, a great deal of information about the egg donor is made available to the recipients so intended parents may make the best possible choice. This includes medical and family history, educational background, and details about physical appearance. Often recent photos and sometimes baby photos form part of the donor profile.

An egg donor is generally between 21 and 33 years old, and is thoroughly screened both psychologically and physically. She must be in excellent health and have no genetic predisposition to any diseases or hereditary medical conditions. The process involves a series of hormone injections during the course of one menstrual cycle to stimulate follicle growth, followed by a minor surgical procedure to retrieve the eggs. The compensation for the donor's time and effort usually ranges from zero to $10,000. Most commonly, compensation falls between $5,000 and $8,000. There are 'exceptional donors' with very desirable physical features and/or intellectual achievements who request higher fees, but this category is controversial, and there are many fine donors who fit the general trend. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's Ethics Committee guidelines published in 2000, donor compensation exceeding $10,000 is inappropriate. NAFG shares this view.

You may view our donor profiles by registering with us. Please contact NAFG by phone or e-mail at any time to register.

NAFG Donor Egg Program Fees

NAFG Program Fee: $4,000 ($3,500 if part of NAFG’s Gestational Surrogacy program)
Administration Fee: $1,000
Egg Donor Fee: $8,000
Insurance: $180 - $400 premium (sometimes included in medical expenses)
Legal fees for donor and recipient: approx. $1,500
Expenses and travel: $0-$3,000 (depending on circumstance/amount of travel required)

NAFG’s program and administration fees include the costs for nationwide electronic and print donor marketing and outreach, non-medical screening (including background checks), trust account maintenance, scheduling and arranging appointments with medical and other professionals, making travel arrangements, and general support for both donors and recipients from our counseling staff. The fees are non-refundable (once medical screening begins) and due with the service agreement at the time of your match.

The fees listed above do not include medical tests and procedures, which vary and are paid directly to the medical facilities involved. IVF costs (including medical procedures, medication, and lab fees) can range from $15,000 to $30,000.

Surrogacy with Donor Egg

Intended parents pursuing surrogacy are not limited to NAFG donors. NAFG has relationships with other leading egg donation facilities all over the country. Our egg donor coordinator will steer you in the right direction, but be aware that finding the 'right' donor is above all a personal choice. As long as you choose a legitimate facility, we will honor your choice and work to pull all the elements together.

See also Egg Donation FAQs.