| Questions to Ask Before Donation |

The following is a list of questions, adapted from a publication by RESOLVE, to ask yourself if you are considering becoming an egg donor. Because egg donation involves a host of ethical issues and could cause physical, psychological, or legal complications down the line, take the time to carefully think through the answers and discuss your decision with family members and your partner or spouse.
Medical Questions

Q. How much information are you willing to share about your medical history? (If you have been adopted, a donor program may not accept you unless you can provide all your medical records as well as those of your biological family).

Q. Would you be willing to undergo a series of lab tests, including an HIV test, if necessary?

Q. Do you have a thorough understanding of the ovulation drugs you will be taking and potential side effects?

Q. Have you discussed the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation, ovarian cancer, and aggravated pituitary tumors with your physician and family members?

Q. Will your insurance cover any medical complications which result from controlled ovarian hyperstimulation or egg retrieval?

Q. Do you understand the egg retrieval process?

Q. Are you ready to make a significant time commitment (approximately 60 hours) for screening, hormone stimulation, monitoring, and egg retrieval?

Q. Are you aware of the risk of unintended pregnancy and are you willing to abstain from sexual intercourse while in a donor program?

Q. Have you or will you receive a thorough physical exam before undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation?

Q. How often will you be monitored for potential side effects during ovarian hyperstimulation?

Q. In case of an emergency during hyperstimulation, who will you contact and how quickly will they be able to respond?

Q. How much experience with egg donation does your physican have?

Psychological Questions

Q. How do you feel about passing on your genetic material to a child you would not know or have a relationship with?

Q. If you experience infertility problems in the future, how would you feel about your decision to donate eggs?

Q. Are you willing to undergo psychological tests?

Q. Are you considering donating eggs to compensate for a past lost such as an abortion?

Q. Would you be willing to give a detailed psychological and social history about you and your family, including answering questions about substance abuse, sexual abuse, and mental illness?

Q. Have you discussed egg donation with your partner or husband?

Q. If you are currently single and plan to marry in the future, will you be prepared to tell your partner that you were an egg donor?

Q. Have you discussed egg donation with your parents? How do they feel about you passing on your genes to a child you will not raise?

Q. If you do become an egg donor, will you tell your friends?

Q. How much information would you want the recipient and/or child to know about you?

Q. How would you feel if laws changed and children that you donated eggs to create had access to your records?

Q. How much do you want to know about the recipient couple?

Q. Do you want to know if the recipient gets pregnant?

Q. How important is it that you receive compensation for your eggs?

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