Further HFEA restrictions on egg donation in the UK: two strikes and you're out!

Abstract

The UK and Europe have lagged far behind the USA in the number of egg donation cycles performed over the past two decades. This disparity has been largely attributed to governmental restraints placed on the method within these locales, combined with the lack of regulation in the USA. Severely limiting donor compensation and requiring donors to be identified 18 years or more after their participation will undoubtedly lead to the demise of egg donation as the UK now knows it. Throwing more money at the problem, in the form of increased donor compensation, is unlikely to fix the shortage of participants that is to come. As already witnessed, increasing numbers of women and couples will probably seek treatment outside their native borders to escape the unreasonable demands placed upon their personal liberties by government. Regulation will promote 'reproductive tourism' as patients seek care in areas of the world where self-determination is protected by law.