Women who donate eggs to infertile couples may be in line for greater compensation.
The UK’s fertility watchdog is today considering tripling the compensation for donors taking the amount from £250 to cover expenses and loss of earnings up to £750. The amount is said to reflect a more realistic view of the costs involved as some donors are currently left out of pocket.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority will also rule on whether compensation for sperm donors should be increased and whether the HFEA policy should continue to permit free or reduced treatment in exchange for gamete donation. It’s understood that the Authority will draw up clear guidance for clinics on what benefits might be included under the benefits in kind policy.
The National Gamete Donation Trust has welcomed the anticipated change in compensation levels.
"A balance is being struck between recognising the wonderful gift of donation yet not affecting the purity of donors' motives," said Laura Witjens, chairwoman of the NGDT.
"Altruistic motives should remain at the core of donation, and payment should never facilitate coercion."
However, some critics have warned against creating a financial incentive for donation.
Dr David King, Director of Human Genetics Alert, said it would create a financial incentive for women.
"Ethically, it's wrong to make part of the human body a commodity," said Dr David King, director of Human Genetics Alert.
"The body should not be part of commerce."