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  • What is in an embryo donation agreement?

    Embryo donation, sometimes called embryo adoption, is a process where individuals or couples who have undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) and possess surplus frozen embryos choose to donate their embryos to others. In some cases, a partner may wish to donate his or her joint interest in embryos they created with their other partner, so the other partner has the sole parenting rights and determines the disposition of the embryos. Embryo donation follows certain rules laid out in a legal document called an "embryo donation agreement." This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the people donating embryos and those receiving them. It serves as a guide, clearly defining the terms and conditions for the transfer of frozen embryos, ensuring that the parties’ parental relationship to the embryos and their intentions moving forward is clear. Here are some important points covered in the embryo donation agreement: The Parties’ identities: The agreement includes the names of both parties, the donor(s) and the recipient(s), unless they opt for anonymous donation. An anonymous donation will omit names to respect privacy preferences.   Costs:  While donors are not paid for the donation of embryos as the embryos are already created, the donors may have some costs that they request payment from recipients, such as their screening, attorney fees, and storage fees. The costs section will also make it clear the recipients are responsible for future medical expenses relating to the storage, shipment, and IVF cycle.   Disposition of Remaining Embryos : This part of the contract discusses what happens to any leftover embryos after the recipients have finished their family-building process. Unlike egg donation agreements, where the donors usually have no right to claim the gametes back, embryo donations offer options including donating them back to the donors, whether they may be donated for research, to others, or disposed of based on the donors' wishes.    Parentage and Legal Rights:  The embryo donation agreement establishes that once the agreement is signed, the recipients will be the legal owners of the embryos and legal parents of any resulting child born from the embryos. This transfer of parental rights from the donors to the recipients is irrevocable, meaning that the donors shall not make any claim to the child and the recipients shall not assert that the donors have any responsibility.    Medical and Psychological Screening:  The agreement may include provisions for screening the health and psychological well-being of both donors and recipients. This helps assess their suitability for the embryo donation process and ensure the parties understand the possible psychological risks.   Future Contact and Information Sharing:  Most embryo agreements discuss the possibility of future contact between donors, recipients, and any resulting child and genetic siblings. This section will outline the extent to which information of the parties may be shared by others, and the expectations for ongoing communication. Some donations opt to remain anonymous but have the choice for future communication through a donor portal.   In conclusion, these are the key components of the embryo donation agreement to ensure a smooth and ethically sound embryo donation process. A well-drafted contract will provide transparency and expectations for all parties before starting the process. With the help of separate legal representation, the embryo agreement can be enforceable, protecting the interests of everyone involved.   If you're planning to engage in an embryo donation or need assistance in an embryo donation in California, New York, Illinois, Washington, Arizona, or Oklahoma, the attorneys at Tsong Law Group are licensed to practice in these states. We can assist with reviewing or drafting your embryo donation agreement, explaining relevant laws, and offering legal advice. For more information, contact us now.

  • Book Review: The Surrogacy Blueprint by Diana Olmeda

    Diana Olmeda’s  The Surrogacy Blueprint  is a roadmap for those exploring surrogacy or considering becoming a surrogate. This guide goes in depth through the stages and complexities of surrogacy, legal intricacies, and personal considerations, making it an indispensable resource.   Olmeda begins her guide through pivotal historical moments that make modern surrogacy possible. She highlights the first compensated surrogacy agreement was executed in 1980. The high-profile 1986 Baby "M" case provides historical context for the necessity for clear regulations in surrogacy. This case involved a couple going through traditional surrogacy where the surrogate used her own egg. After the surrogate wanted to take the baby as her own, the parties entered into a long legal battle. The intended parents aimed to gain parental rights over the child. Olmeda uses this case to guide the chapter to why so many opt for a surrogate process that does not use the surrogate's own egg and the need for clear outline of expectations.   The book includes Olmeda’s personal experiences as she opened her own surrogacy agency and has been a surrogate twice. It explores the qualities that make a great surrogate and emphasizes the vital role of medical testing to ensure surrogates will carry out a healthy pregnancy. She discusses what intended parents should consider when choosing a surrogate so that a match is compatible and does not fall through.   The helpfulness of this guide lies in her recognition that every surrogacy journey is unique. Olmeda acknowledges that intended parents can forge their own route or utilize an agency. This guide is great in acknowledging the individuality of each surrogacy journey, empowering readers to tailor their path to match their unique circumstances and preferences. This perspective elevates the book from a mere guide to a versatile compass for those embarking on the intricate and personal adventure of surrogacy.   Beyond explaining the roles of a surrogate and intended parents, I found it insightful that Olmeda touched on how health insurance policies shifted their views on surrogacy. She states that years prior, health insurance companies would treat surrogacy like a regular pregnancy and cover medical expenses and delivery costs. However, these companies faced high costs from covering preterm deliveries with twins and implemented surrogacy exclusion languages in the Explanation of Benefits. It is important for surrogates and intended parents to analyze the policies of a surrogate's medical insurance because there might be an "insurance lien." Insurance liens allow these companies to recoup the money they paid out on behalf of the surogate. Olmeda criticizes this new policy that some companies have implemented in 2016 as intended parents already pay high costs in other areas of the surrogacy journey.  Olmeda stresses the importance of well-crafted, attorney-reviewed agreements to prevent potential issues. The organized content ensures that the reader is guided through each aspect with clarity. Overall, we recommend The Surrogacy Blueprint as a helpful resource for all parties involved in a surrogacy journey.   For more information about the legal aspects of surrogacy, contact us now.

  • How Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act Works

    In last week’s blog, we reviewed California's employment laws effective 2024 that affected families including surrogates and those using assisted reproduction. This week’s article addresses employment law changes in Illinois that indirectly affects surrogacy. Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois signed Senate Bill 208 Paid Leave for All Workers Act making one of fourteen US states that require paid time off, guaranteeing 40 hours of paid sick leave for workers. Effective January 1, 2024, the law will provide employees will earn one hour of leave for every 40 hours worked. This new bill grants employees who have children to be able to take time for medical appointments, childcare, and other important family matters. Prior law did not provide paid leave to care for sick family members. Many working families are unable to take unpaid days off because of the financial burden it might cause. Governor Pritzker reasons that this will help employees become more productive as they have more time to deal with stressors outside of work, family issues, and alleviate any burdens of working families. During leave, employees will receive their full wages, and tipped workers will be compensated at the minimum wage applicable in their respective locale. This legislation also marks a significant advancement for surrogacy and individuals utilizing assisted reproduction, as it grants family members, including spouses and partners, the opportunity to take paid leave for the comprehensive care and support of the surrogate. This encompasses accompanying the surrogate to medical appointments, offering emotional support, and assisting in prenatal check-ups, all without the financial sacrifice of income. The senate bill is inclusive of all employees within the jurisdiction of Illinois, including state and local government as well as government agencies. House Speaker Emanuel Welch states that the ability to have time off to care for a sick child or tend to one’s mental health should not be a luxury, but a basic right. This new law will recognize the added stress on working mothers and hopefully move to more healthy and compassionate workplaces. Notably, State Representative Camille Y. Lilly believes that paid leave is a necessary step to creating a state that is compassionate to the needs of working families. Conclusion Senate Bill 208 ensures that workers can take time off when needed without sacrificing income, fostering a healthier work-life balance. While the amount of paid leave is small compared to paid disability leave in states such as California, New York and Washington, it is paid for by the employer rather than the state. This new bill provides a modicum of support to employees including those involved in surrogacy or utilizing assisted reproduction, enabling them to take time off for essential family matters such as medical appointments and childcare. If you require assistance with surrogacy legal matters, feel free to contact us for expert guidance and support.

  • Navigating Donor Disclosure with Washington State's Open Identity Donation Law

    Effective January 1, 2019, Washington state became one of the first states to pass legislation granting donor conceived children potential gain access to information about their donors. Washington’s Open Identity Donation Law recognizes the independence and privacy of donors, while balancing donor-conceived children’s right to access information about their genetic background and desire for identifying information. Like California’s law on donor disclosure, the law provides the donor to declare their preference for anonymity at the time of the donation. A licensed gamete bank or fertility clinic must provide the donor with information about the choice on identity disclosure and obtain his or her declaration which shall be either witnessed or notarized. This declaration indicates either the donor's agreement to disclose their identity upon the child's request once reaching 18 years of age or the decision not to disclose their identity to the child. It must be noted that the donor who signed a declaration to disclose their identity may withdraw the declaration at any time. Should the donor not revoke their decision to be anonymous, the donor-conceived child may still obtain non-identifying medical details. The Washington law grants donor-conceived children the right to request their donors' identifying information and medical history upon reaching the age of 18 from the donor’s fertility clinic or gamete bank. "Identifying information" includes a donor's full name, date of birth, and addresses (both permanent and current). "Medical history" includes information about the donor’s present and past illnesses, as well as social, genetic, and family history relevant to the donor's health which was disclosed to the clinic at the time of the donation. A licensed gamete bank or fertility clinic is required to collect the donor's identifying information and medical history at the time of donation. Should a clinic or gamete bank fail to maintain the donor's choice of whether to disclose or remain anonymous, the clinic must disclose the information that it has collected to the donor-conceived child. If the clinic or bank receives gametes from another facility, they are required to gather and maintain information such as name, address, telephone number, and email address. Conclusion Parties to gamete donation should consider the emotional and developmental implications of anonymity on donor conceived children. The Washington law does not necessarily change the outcome of parties who request anonymous donations. It does however, give the donor an option to change their mind regarding their decision to be anonymous to donor conceived offspring. Your lawyer should explain the choices regarding open and closed gamete donation as well as any disclosure laws that a state may have. As lawyers licensed in Washington, we can offer you guidance with the complexities of gamete donation contracts. For more information, contact us now.

  • Surrogacy Novel Review: White Lilies (The Mitchell Sisters, #2) by Samantha Christy

    White Lilies is a harlequin romance surrogacy novel that unfolds a compelling narrative exploring the profound impact of surrogacy and the enduring strength of friendship amid life’s challenges. Skylar Mitchell, the main character, yearns for a meaningful change in her life. One thing she has always been certain of is that she never wants to have children of her own. She even jokes about being a surrogate, a selfless move that seems like an out-of-character life decision. In a fortuitous encounter, Skylar connects with Griffin and Erin Pearce, a couple who seem to have it all — a perfect life and a perfect home but sadly cannot have children through traditional means. As Skylar offers to become their surrogate, she finds herself falling in love with Griffin while becoming best friends with Erin. Unconditional love, heart-wrenching loss, and unwavering friendship form the bedrock of this story. Skylar’s choices will test the bonds that tie her to Erin and Griffin, ultimately leading them all on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Legal and Scientific Realism A genetic (also known as traditional) surrogate is when the surrogate uses her own egg and the father’s sperm, making the surrogate genetically related to the child.  The main character becomes a genetic surrogate, which is not legal in New York if the surrogate is compensated. Skyler was compensated with expensive shopping trips and other financial gifts for being a surrogate, from the Intended Parents. While these may be considered gifts, this is legally problematic. The parties entered into the arrangement without the usual psychological, medical or legal clearance steps. The Intended Parents chose Skylar to become their surrogate despite her never having children despite this being a best practice (also required in New York with gestational surrogacy), even more so with a genetic surrogate. Skylar did not have a lawyer representing her to review the surrogacy agreement or at any time during the process. It’s unclear how the insemination took place, or what legal plan the intended parents had to establish parentage rights for the child, whether by adoption, passing off the child as theirs or through a proper parentage action. It is doubtful that any surrogacy professionals were consulted so that more realistic elements could have made the story. It’s unfortunate, because adding some legal realism wouldn’t necessarily take away from the main storyline. Readers seeking a more realistic portrayal of surrogacy will find the novel’s deviation from legal correctness a notable drawback. Conclusion Despite its engaging exploration of the daily interactions of a surrogate and her intended parents, this reader is left with mixed feelings, prompting a three out of five-star rating for entertainment but zero out of five stars for accuracy. The novel fell short in character development as it primarily showcased Skylar’s budding romantic feelings. A more comprehensive understanding of backgrounds, motivations, and relationships would have enriched the narrative, while a better understanding of the surrogacy process would have added authenticity. Disclaimer: This book is a bodice ripper, meaning it is for adults only and offers a fantasy depiction of surrogacy which is for entertainment purposes only. The portrayal is imaginative if not outlandish, not reflective of most surrogacy journeys. The work aims to present a creative narrative but still manages to provide some insights into surrogacy from a surrogate’s perspective. For more information on surrogacy, feel free to contact us now.

  • Components of Egg Donation Compensation

    Egg donation is a fertility treatment option in which a woman, known as the egg donor, provides her eggs to help another individual or couple achieve pregnancy and fulfill their dream of having a child. During the process, egg donors often experience a range of physical and emotional demands. This highlights the importance of compensation as a factor to consider when embarking on this journey. Compensation is intended to reimburse the donor for her time, effort, and any inconvenience or discomfort associated with the donation process. Learning the components of egg donation compensation offers several advantages between the parties in terms of drafting the contract, decision-making, legal and ethical compliance, reduction of potential risks and misunderstandings, and managing expectations, among other benefits. In this article, we discuss the various components of egg donation compensation. It should be noted that the specifics may vary according to different state laws and regulations. Base Compensation. This component acknowledges and addresses the potential physical and emotional challenges that donors may face. Base compensation for the donation covers the donor’s pain, suffering and any inconveniences. Compensation After Injectable Medication. In some cases, the donor receives a portion of the base compensation when they begin the injectable medication. This rate is typically specified by the donor agency. A typical amount is around $700, but it may be higher if the compensation is above average. Travel Expenses. This component includes the cost of the flight, hotel, ground transportation, meal allowance, and, in some cases, companion expenses, which may also include flight and a meal allowance. It covers both the initial screening and the retrieval trip. However, in some cases, local donors may not receive these benefits other than mileage. Split. A 'split' refers to a share of the eggs if the number of retrieved eggs exceeds a certain threshold. In some cases, a donor may request a split instead of compensation, which involves receiving half of the eggs, for example. This component is considered rare. We’ve discussed what are attributes that Intended Parents seek in a donor. The more distinguished a donor is, or the rarer her attributes are, the higher her compensation may be. Compensation is also influenced by the number of donations a donor has made. A repeat donor usually can receive higher compensation as there will be a record of how many eggs were retrieved each procedure. If you are contemplating becoming an egg donor or a recipient and would like to navigate the complexities of compensation and legal aspects in the egg donation process, it is advisable to engage a lawyer specializing in reproductive law or assisted reproduction. Ensure that you select a reputable attorney with expertise in this field and licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. The attorneys at Tsong Law Group are licensed in California, New York, Illinois, Washington, Arizona, and Oklahoma and have been in practice for a number of years already. They also provide comprehensive legal support or contract drafting to ensure that the clients' egg donation journeys are well-managed, and their rights and interests are protected throughout the process. Contact us now for further information.

  • Movie Review: Surrogate (2022)

    The Halloween countdown has begun, and this tradition cannot be completed without a good horror film marathon. There are many great scary movies out there, but this time around, we're reaching for something less familiar in the horror film genre. Released in 2022, the Australian paranormal horror film "Surrogate" stars KestieMorassi as Natalie, who plays a single mother and nurse. As a single parent, she heavily relies on her own mother, Anna, and her brother William to help raise their daughter, Rose. The movie begins with the family celebrating Rose's ninth birthday. After the celebration, the movie shows the routine between the two, where Natalie reassures her daughter that monsters are not real every time she's asked to check for them around her room. Working as a nurse, Natalie had an unfortunate encounter that intensified the movie. While going home from her night shift, she came across a woman who appeared to be disturbed and had consumed toxic liquids. Natalie tried to revive her, but she couldn't. Natalie immediately started vomiting, as if she were pregnant. The symptoms continued to develop, and she woke up one day with blood from her waist down, as though she had given birth. When she was brought to the hospital, the agent from the Department of Child and Family Services and her doctor told her that she was pregnant and had done something terrible to the baby, even threatening her with criminal charges. Natalie argued that she had not given birth to a child and that it was not even possible for her to get pregnant. This explanation did not sit well with the doctors and the representative from the department. The stress even grew as her daughter Rose was affected by all the supernatural elements. Now the movie is on the journey to answer how Natalie became pregnant and where the supernatural elements were coming from. How realistic is the portrayal of surrogacy including the legal aspects? Despite the title, the movie is not really about surrogacy any more than Rosemary’s Baby can be considered a surrogacy movie. There is no contract between intended parents and Natalie, or any sort of parental rights being established. There are no supernatural lawyers in the movie either. The title "Surrogate" merely reflects the central theme of the movie. Conclusion Although surrogacy may not be the subject matter, the movie still delivered an impact and overall portrayed a well-told story that is worth watching. The movie is well executed and scored. If you're a wimp when it comes to horror, it won't scare or gross you out. There might be a jump scare but otherwise it's atmospheric and dreadful. The story also succeeded in incorporating mystery and thriller elements. Overall, as an indie film, it stands out enough to be worth watching this Halloween. So, bust out the popcorn or some homemade Halloween snacks and get ready to watch this movie. "Surrogate" is currently available on Amazon Video, Tubi, and Google TV. If you are looking for a peer rated super lawyer for your surrogacy rather than a supernatural lawyer, look no further and contact us now.

  • Children’s Books on Gamete Donation

    Previously, we reviewed four children’s books discussing surrogacy. Just as in surrogacy, children are interested in their origins. Having a conversation with donor-conceived children at an early age about their genetic origin can be beneficial in the long-term mindset. Children’s books on the subject of egg and sperm donation will provide age-appropriate ways to understand their origin. Here are our reviews of some children’s books on gamete donation: 1. The Bird Family: An Egg Donation Story By: Sofia Bird For ages: Babies – 5 years old Available on Kindle Unlimited and in print. A short story of introduction to egg donation using birds and is a good first story to normalize the concept of egg donation. It features a Mama and Papa Bird wanting to have another baby bird, however, on their second attempt, their egg breaks. Thankfully, Doctor Owl was there to help. The book is surprisingly short and an older child might wonder what happens next. 2. Fluffy, The Miracle Bunny: A Sweet Story About The Magic of Egg Donation By: Blossom Tailor For ages: 4-8 years old. Available on Kindle and in print. A children’s book detailed illustrations, Fluffy, the Miracle Bunny features a story of Fluffy, a bunny who was conceived with the help of egg donation. The story commences when Fluffy was curious about how he was conceived but through a detailed explanation of his loving bunny parents, Fluffy was able to accept his unique story and realize how special and loved he is. This book is fairly direct in explaining the egg donation and the pregnancy. 3. Toby’s Question By: Elaine Cronjé For ages: 2-7 years old. Available on Kindle Unlimited and in print. As children conceived through egg donation grow, they may notice differences in their features which may lead to curiosity about their origins. Toby’s Question is a simple children’s book that starts when Toby, a bear, asks why his hair is different from his Mommy and Daddy's hair. Rather than discuss eggs and sperm, this book uses the analogy of a basket of berries and basket of fish. This book is recommended if you want to impart to your children the concept of egg donation in a subtle and comfortable way. Unfortunately, the Kindle version of the book has a formatting issue so it cannot be viewed in landscape mode. 4. The Pea That Was Me: A Sperm Donation Story By: Kimberly Kluger-Bell, LMFT For ages: 5-6 years old. Available in print only. A simple and short story, The Pea That Was Me is available in multiple versions for almost any donor conception scenario (egg, sperm, embryo, surrogacy, different gender single parents, heterosexual or gay couples, etc.). It is a type of children’s book that explains donor conception in a fun and celebratory way. The basic The Pea That Was Me: A Sperm Donation Story book features a story of a little boy with a pea and leaf on his head and he is curious about how he was conceived. The story continues to explain that the Pea's mommy and daddy could not make a baby pea because daddy’s sperm was not working. This book is perfect for simple but clear concepts about the three things it takes to make a baby which are eggs, sperm and a tummy to grow in. It's great that the author chose to a book for nearly every situation so that any child can read about a family or situation that resembles their own. There are many amazing children's books about gamete donation available in the market, enough to introduce the topic multiple times at an early age so that your child will come to think it is a normal way of having a family. For guidance on assisted reproductive law contact us, Tsong Law Group.

  • Children’s Books on Surrogacy

    For a long time, intended parents and surrogates have had to come up with ways to explain the surrogacy journey to their children. Surrogates will need to explain to their children that the baby they are carrying will not be part of their family but will join another family. Intended parents seek ways to explain to their children that they were born through surrogacy, or explain the role of their surrogate to their current children. While there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to discussing the surrogacy process to your child, some experts suggest to start it as early as possible. Fortunately, as surrogacy becomes more and more common, there are now more and more childrens’ books that address the subject. Reading to your child is a fun and age-appropriate way to explain and normalize surrogacy to your children, whether you are a surrogate or intended parent. In this article, we will discuss some children's books about surrogacy. 1. The Kangaroo Pouch: A Story About Surrogacy For Young Children By: Sarah A. Phillips (Author) and Laurie A. Faust (Illustrator) For ages: 2-6 years old Available on Kindle and in print. The Kangaroo Pouch is a great start for children to learn the concept of surrogacy as it uses kangaroos as an analogy. It underscores the reason why a mother uses surrogate and portrays the situations during the pregnancy. One of the most important concepts highlighted by the book is the question on whether the baby is given back to their biological parents after conceived. The Kangaroo Pouch is from the perspective of a child of a surrogate. Who is this book for: intended parents’ existing children, future children, and surrogates’ children. 2. Mommy, Who is Miss Amy? A Tale of Surrogacy By: J.D. Quarles (Author), Emily Ivie (Illustrator) For ages: 3 to 6 years old Available on Kindle Unlimited and in print. Mommy, Who Is Miss Amy? features a story of a young boy who is curious about his parents’ surrogate and learns how Miss Amy helped his parents’ dream of having him come to life. This will help the child understand the intended parents’ reasons for surrogacy and the step-by-step process of a surrogate’s pregnancy. Note that there is a companion book titled Mommy, Who is Miss Becky? drawn from the perspective of a girl for intended parents of girls. Who is this book for: intended parents’ children born from surrogacy. 3. Mommy is a Basket: Our Journey as a Surrogate By: Cj Love (Illustrator), Linda Rinderknecht (Editor), Kya Buchanan (Author) For ages: 3 to 6 years old Available on Kindle Unlimited and in print. Mommy is a Basket features a story of a girl whose mother is about to become a surrogate, and how she learns about different aspects of her pregnancy. This picture book explains in detail the process of surrogacy from the surrogate’s perspective. Note that this story imagines a continuing relationship with intended parents after the birth which does not occur in all journeys. The art is also a bit limited and reused throughout book. Who is this book for: gestational surrogates’ children. 4. The Very Kind Koala By: Kimberly Kluger-Bell (Author and Illustrator) For ages: 3 to 6 years old Available in print only. The Very Kind Koala features a simple yet delightful introduction to surrogacy for young children by featuring a koala husband and wife who need the help of a very kind koala to carry their baby in her pouch. With its heartfelt drawings, this book can keep children engaged and is easy to understand. The Very Kind Koala is written from the perspective of the child born from surrogacy. One nice aspect is it allows the child to personalize the book with their own text or pictures from their own family. Who is this book for: Intended parents’ children born from surrogacy. This is just a small sample of the amazing children’s books about surrogacy that can help your children understand the complex process. For guidance on the legal aspects of surrogacy, by contacting Tsong Law Group.

  • Requirements for Egg Donors based on ASRM Guidelines

    Egg donation, also known as oocyte donation, is a form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) that uses the eggs that are retrieved from a third-party donor. The eggs retrieved from the donor are immediately put in the possession of the recipient/intended parent who can either use the eggs and fertilize them right away, or freeze them for future use. Donors may be compensated for their pain and discomfort and inconvenience. The process also gives an opportunity to infertile couples, same-sex couples, and singles who desire to have a child. Egg donation may be undertaken with directed (known) or non-identified (anonymous) donor. In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued requirements for egg donors which include the following: A physical exam A donor questionnaire Testing of the donor at an FDA-approved laboratory 30 days before, or up to 7 days after, the egg retrieval for the following: - Gonorrhea and Chlamydia vaginal or urine cultures - HIV-I and HIV-II - Hepatitis B surface antigen and Hepatitis B core antibody - Hepatitis C antibody - RPR If testing is not completed prior to retrieval, the eggs will be frozen and quarantined. In addition, there are also requirements in terms of eligibility. According to American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines, egg donors must be of legal age in their state and preferably between 21 to 34 years old. Regardless of age, she must undergo a psychological evaluation by a qualified mental health professional and the decision to proceed with such donor will be determined on an individual basis. Meanwhile, if the donor is 34 years old, it is important that her age is disclosed to the recipient as part of the informed consent discussion concerning the risks and the effect of donor age on pregnancy rates. Furthermore, the ASRM also provides that egg donors should be healthy and have no history of hereditary disease. ASRM also recommends a pelvic ultrasound for the assessment of pelvic anatomy including the ovaries for a follicle count, and measurement of ovarian reserve serum biomarkers to anticipate the response to oocyte stimulation medication. Psychoeducational evaluation and counseling by a qualified mental health professional and legal consultation is strongly recommended for all donors. In addition to FDA requirements, here is an overview of the ASRM recommended procedures: Psychoeducational counseling Genetic screening Medical history Infectious disease testing of recipient and recipient's sexually intimate partners Legal consultation for the donor, especially if the donation is to an individual not to a bank. There are two types of egg donation procedures. If the directed donor tests positive or demonstrates a risk of communicable diseases, they are not prevented from participating in the process of directed donation, as long as the parties are aware of the donation’s risk and there is a consent to proceed with the donation. Meanwhile, they can no longer be eligible for non-identified or anonymous donation. ASRM recommends that donors may only donate up to six times. This limitation is per egg donor in her lifetime, and not per clinic. The egg retrieval procedure does not appear to have long term side effects, however, the limitation is intended to prevent any negative health impact or consanguity to prevent intermarrying of donor conceived children from the same donor. The ASRM recommends attorney representation for directed egg donation. If you need help with egg donation, don’t hesitate to contact us now. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon without additional research or consulting an attorney. This article is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship with the reader.

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