Donation: Gametes

Abstract

Gamete donation refers to the different methods of reproductive technologies in which the human sperm, the human oocyte, or both are offered by and obtained from an individual and used in various forms of assisted reproduction procedures and research. Gametes can be fresh or stored frozen – or, in the case of eggs, obtained by using a vitrification procedure. Furthermore, gametes can be donated by the partner when natural reproduction is not possible with the partner’s gamete but it is reasonable to expect that via artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization with the partner’s gamete it can be still successful. In other cases when this is not possible, then in vitro fertilization is done by an anonymous or non-anonymous donor. Non-anonymous donation means donation is directed to a specific person provided by law or an agreement. Forms of such donation include egg sharing procedures or recruitment of egg donors. Egg donation can be based on the donation of surplus eggs: those that remained in surplus after an in vitro fertilization procedure. While the term ‘donation’ generally refers to ‘gift,’ that is a form of altruistic giving; the same term is used at private clinics where donation often involves of some forms of payment. Eggs are also donated for research purposes, especially in the field of stem cell research.