“What can I do to support the health of egg donors?” is a common question asked by Intended Parents (IPs). In this video series, we asked egg providers (donors) to share their personal stories about donating their eggs, with an emphasis on what they wish Intended Parents knew about egg donation. They each share different considerations and facets of how intended parents can advocate for the health and well-being of all egg providers. Donor perspectives are often invisible, so thank you for taking the time to engage and better understand the perspectives of egg providers.

“Many donors don’t experience very much support or concern for their long-term care.”

Ari (US) says donors’ concerns about their own health are often dismissed by doctors or agencies who put greater emphasis on the number of eggs produced and a viable pregnancy.

“We all need to be more curious about the long-term effects of egg donation on a woman’s body.”

Claire (Canada) talks about the need for more research, and raises questions about the effects of multiple donations and high egg retrieval rates. She wonders if her procedure had any adverse effects on her reproductive system.

“We put ourselves at risk because we want to be part of something bigger than us.”

Catherine (US) had a severe case of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome after her egg retrieval and later experienced a range of reproductive issues herself. She shares the heartbreak of never learning if her eggs resulted in a successful pregnancy, and urges intended parents to advocate for egg donors since they are in the process together.

“I wish that IP’s would advocate more for us for good donor care.”

Niamh (UK) discusses her motivation to become an egg donor, as well as the inconsistent care donors receive, and the role that intended parents can play in advocating for egg donors’ health.

“Intended parents have a unique opportunity to advocate for the voice and physical safety of their egg donor.”

Ashleigh (US) talks about egg donation as one of the least-studied aspects of IVF and the importance of treating donors with respect as patients in the process. Intended parents, she says, play an important role in making that possible.

“It is a basic right of every human being to know where they come from.”

Liz (US) recommends several ways intended parents can help protect a donor: make sure she is not being overstimulated; include an insurance rider for the donor into your contract; make sure she has her own attorney when negotiating the contract; do not agree to an anonymous cycle.

“I’ve met hundreds of egg donors. This is what I’ve learned.”

Raquel, a founding member of We Are Egg Donors, made this video in December 2017, describing what happened to her during the egg retrieval process, and how it motivated her to form a community for egg donors to connect, receive support, and advocate for causes that matter most to them. Her video also features commentary from egg providers around the world.