Recession spurs egg and sperm donations
The Boston Globe examines an increase in egg and sperm donations, a trend some fertility experts say reflects people’s need for new income sources during the recession.
According to the Globe, egg donor agencies in the Boston area report a 25% to 100% increase in donor applications compared with this time one year ago, and sperm banks across New England have seen a similar rise in applicants during the past six months.
The Globe reports that the economy has created a “paradox” in the industry in that the number of donor applicants has increased, but the demand for donors has declined.
Although the sale of eggs is illegal, donors usually receive compensation fees ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 for their time and inconvenience. Sperm donors receive an average of $85 to $100 per donation, the Globe reports.
