IVF (in-vitro fertilization) procedures have become more and more popular in California because of this state’s progressive societal structure. The medical technology offered in California is the most advanced in the world. Also, there are legal regulations established here specifically for surrogacy cases. Every party involved in surrogacy journeys are legally protected.
An egg donation is the greatest gift you can give to an intended parent who is unable to conceive. The results are, quite literally, a miracle.
What is Egg Donation?
Egg donation is a procedure that removes a woman’s eggs from her ovaries and donates them to be frozen or for immediate use at a fertility clinic. It’s a voluntary and selfless surgical procedure that allows other individuals or couples to have children. It’s an essential part of surrogacy for those who are unable to use their own eggs.
Process
To start, the prospective donor will come to Los Angeles Surrogacy for an initial consultation. Here, all of their questions will be answered and they will be educated on the exact process that lies ahead.
The process of becoming an egg donor can take between 2-5 months, depending on the scheduling of the medical consultations, screenings, and scans. It ensures the donor’s eggs are healthy, and her body is fit to undergo the surgical procedure.
The donor will begin the process by taking hormone medication injections to stimulate multiple eggs to develop. Though the medications are needed because this does not occur naturally, it does not harm the body or reproductive system of the donor.
Once the donor’s eggs are ready to be collected, she undergoes a procedure called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. Ultrasound technology is used to guide a small needle to the donor’s ovaries, where a tiny piece of suction technology extracts and removes the eggs.
The egg donation procedure takes about 30-45 minutes. The donor is put under anesthesia beforehand, and will wake up in a recovery room afterward.
Because many eggs are collected, this procedure is only done once. Even if the first egg does not result in a successful pregnancy, there are more that can be used.
Though there are always some risks of side effects with surgery, like soreness or bleeding, it is considered a low-risk procedure.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
The most important qualification for egg donors is that they must not have any diagnosed reproductive disorders. These disorders could harm both the donor and the unborn child, so we are unable to work with donors that have reproductive system problems.
At Los Angeles Surrogacy, egg donors need to be between 19-30 years old and live a healthy lifestyle. This includes that egg donors must not use drugs.
Donors must be able to commit to a 5-month donor process and be willing to administer (or have someone else administer) hormonal injections. Donors need to have a BMI between 18 and 26.
There will be both physical and psychological wellness checks for serious applications who wish to participate in egg donation. Because any surgery can be a lot on the body, it is important to be sure the body is healthy enough to go through it.
We are dedicated to keeping all of our donors safe, and strive to do what we can to have every extraction result in the birth of a healthy baby.
For a full list of application requirements, please see here.
Legal
There are some states within the US whose laws surrounding reproductive technology are ambiguous, unclear, or simply unsupportive of the people who need their protection. Because of this, many people actually travel to California to enjoy the benefits of the legal framework here.
One of the most appreciated aspects of California’s reproductive laws is the emphasis on informed consent. Donors and intended parents alike are required to receive education about potential benefits, risks, and all possible outcomes, problems, and solutions of the procedure. There are contracts that outline each individual’s role and compensation (or payment requirements).
At Los Angeles Surrogacy, we will provide this education for everyone in private consultations with case managers, so everyone has the opportunity to ask questions, negotiate, and really understand all aspects of each agreement.
Egg donors reserve the right to remain anonymous if they want to, and we support each donor’s right in doing so. They will be safe and protected under the law.
You can visit this web page for more details about legalities.
Compensation for California Egg Donors
Egg donors are generously paid for their contribution to the surrogacy journey. Most often, payment is up to $10,000. Read here for more details about egg donation compensation.
In addition to the base paycheck, egg donors will have the entire procedure paid for. If any legal or travel expenses are needed, those will be covered as well. For more specific information, please contact us here.
Why Los Angeles Surrogacy?
Los Angeles Surrogacy is a surrogacy agency that partners with surrogates and intended parents alike to create the miracle of life. We have over 15 years of experience in the industry helping individuals and couples grow their families. For those who are unable to conceive or who find that surrogacy is a better fit for their lifestyle than pregnancy, we are proud to provide solutions to help them grow their families.
As an egg donor, it’s important that you partner with an agency that has your best interests at heart. Partnering with the right agency will have you protected under the law and safe throughout your medical procedures.
Here is why we believe ourselves to be the best egg donation agency for intended parents looking to pursue surrogacy:
Proven Donors
We offer a “Proven Donors” program for interested intended parents. This program consists of donors whose eggs have resulted in successful pregnancies before. For some intended parents, this provides an extra layer of peace of mind.
Donor Exchange
If the egg retrieval process is unsuccessful or canceled, your agency fee will be transferred to another egg donation procedure. There is no added cost for you if a new egg donor cycle must begin.
If you choose not to go with a new egg donor, 75% of your agency fee will be refunded.
Payment Installments
There are many financing options you can choose from to pursue surrogacy through Los Angeles Surrogacy. To ensure financial security, each payment installment will be made to the attorney’s trust account and utilized as scheduled.
Donor Packages
Los Angeles Surrogacy egg donors provide a fresh donation for each intended parent match, meaning the intended parents get every viable egg that is retrieved during the egg collection procedure.
Our First Time Donor package includes:
- Agency fee
- Video match call with up to two donor choices
- Donor compensation
- Donor Insurance
- Psychological screening
- Genetic counseling
- Legal representation and attorney-held trust that includes a personalized egg donor contract as well as independent legal representation for your egg donor
For additional details about pricing or logistics about your unique situation, please contact us here.