Two San Francisco based law firms have begun a class-action for egg donors to receive more money for their donations.
Thousands of woman across the US have now joined the action against the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology and the San Francisco-based Pacific Fertility Center.
Egg donation price fixing
It is alleged that the clinics names engaged in price-fixing and anti-competitive actions to keep the money offered to egg donors low than it should be.
Only the states of Louisiana and Indiana regulate sperm and egg donation. All the other states rely upon the non-binding guidelines issued by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. These guidelines state that egg donors should be paid no more than $5,000, and that payment of $10,000 is deemed inappropriate.
However, the amount actually offered differs considerably. Donors from Ivy League universities are supposedly paid more, up to $50,000, though there is little evidence to support this.
Sperm donors v. egg donors
Comparing time taken and commitment the law firms also argue that the hourly rate paid to women to donate eggs is lower than that paid to men to donate sperm.
However, sociologist Rene Almeling argues that sperm donors are often not prepared for the emotional consequences of donating, whereas woman receive more praise and support, and are seen as acting selflessly.
According to Ms Almeling, "Egg donors are treated like gold, while sperm donors are perceived as a dime a dozen.”
Read more at: bioedge.org
Thousands of woman across the US have now joined the action against the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology and the San Francisco-based Pacific Fertility Center.
Egg donation price fixing
It is alleged that the clinics names engaged in price-fixing and anti-competitive actions to keep the money offered to egg donors low than it should be.
Only the states of Louisiana and Indiana regulate sperm and egg donation. All the other states rely upon the non-binding guidelines issued by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. These guidelines state that egg donors should be paid no more than $5,000, and that payment of $10,000 is deemed inappropriate.
However, the amount actually offered differs considerably. Donors from Ivy League universities are supposedly paid more, up to $50,000, though there is little evidence to support this.
Sperm donors v. egg donors
Comparing time taken and commitment the law firms also argue that the hourly rate paid to women to donate eggs is lower than that paid to men to donate sperm.
However, sociologist Rene Almeling argues that sperm donors are often not prepared for the emotional consequences of donating, whereas woman receive more praise and support, and are seen as acting selflessly.
According to Ms Almeling, "Egg donors are treated like gold, while sperm donors are perceived as a dime a dozen.”
Read more at: bioedge.org
