[Provisions for potentially raising the age limit for oocyte donation]

Abstract

The introduction ofoocyte donation has provided a new perspective on reproduction for women with premature ovarian failure. In contrast to other forms ofassisted reproductive technology, the success ofoocyte donation is not affected by the age of the future mother. This has prompted a discussion on raising the age limit to allow older women to become pregnant. The health risk for the future mother is increased in older women compared with younger women but does not appear to be a sufficient reason to disqualify older women from undergoing the procedure. Lack of information regarding the effect of very late parenthood on the medical, psychological and social well-being of the future child poses the greatest concern. Should the age limit be extended for oocyte donation, treatment should be restricted to a research setting with a protocol for single-embryo transfer and extensive follow-up regarding the well-being of the future child.