Egg and sperm donors in the UK will now receive increased compensation, marking the first rise in rates in over a decade. As of October 1, egg donors will see their compensation rise from £750 to £985, while sperm donors will now receive £45 instead of £35. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) stated that the adjustment is in response to inflation rather than an attempt to commercialize donations in the UK.
The decision to modify compensation rates aims to strike a balance between covering donor expenses and preserving the altruistic nature of donation in the UK, as outlined by the fertility regulator. Approximately one in 170 children born in the UK annually are conceived through the donation of eggs or sperm, according to the HFEA. A blog post from the HFEA emphasized the profound commitment and lifelong implications associated with donating eggs, sperm, or embryos.
Children conceived through egg or sperm donation have the right to access identifiable information about their donor once they reach 18 years of age. The HFEA underlined the significance of deliberating the decision to become a donor due to its far-reaching implications for the donor, their family, the recipient, and any resulting children. The HFEA plans to review compensation rates every five years or in the event of a 10% inflation rise.
This update in compensation for egg and sperm donors reflects the evolving landscape of reproductive donation services in the UK, ensuring transparency and ethical practices within the system.