Societal, legal shifts complicate recruitment efforts.
This News Digest Story is paid featured content.
BY INSIDE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
The U.S. fertility field is grappling with a growing demand for donor eggs, driven by the increasing age of first-time mothers. As societal trends push family-building later in life, the challenges of finding qualified donors are intensifying, leaving clinics and patients with limited options.
“It’s no secret that women are waiting longer and longer to start families,” says James A. Grifo, MD, PhD, director of the NYU Langone Fertility Center, a member of The Prelude Network. “As a woman gets older, it’s harder to get pregnant and stay pregnant. Older eggs have riskier outcomes.”
This delay is evident in national data. In 1972, the average age of first-time mothers was 21. According to recent research, the median age for giving birth in the U.S. has reached 30. Major cities like New York are seeing that number climb above 31, precisely when fertility naturally declines.
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Are you ready to provide more choices for intended parents and offer your clinic the opportunity to join an exclusive, national network?
As a MyEggBank Partner, You Will:
Gain access to a broader egg donor pool
Offer intended parents more options to fulfill their dreams
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Shrinking Donor Pools
The growing demand for egg donors is colliding with a constrained supply. Strict FDA and ASRM criteria already disqualify many potential candidates, resulting in acceptance rates as low as 3%. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, additional factors have further tightened the pool:
Mental Health Medications: A CDC study found that 20.3% of American adults were taking medication for mental health in 2020, with women disproportionately represented. This trend has led to increased disqualifications, as psychotropic drugs are contraindicated for egg donation.
Marijuana Use: The legalization of cannabis in 24 states has introduced another barrier, as many donors who use marijuana are excluded from eligibility.
Identity Disclosure Laws: Recent legislation in Colorado requires donors to consent to being contacted by donor-conceived children at age 18, which may deter potential donors.
“These factors require our organization to continue to evaluate eligibility criteria based on the changing times,” notes Deborah Mecerod, Director of MyEggBank, a leading provider of donor eggs.
Addressing the Challenges
Fertility networks like MyEggBank (MEB) are adapting to meet the demands of delayed motherhood and evolving donor requirements. MEB’s nationwide approach gives patients access to an expansive pool of donors, ensuring a better chance of finding a match that meets genetic, physical, or cultural preferences.
“Finding qualified, ethnically diverse egg donors is a universal challenge,” Betsy John, Business Development Manager for MyEggBank notes, emphasizing how broader reach benefits patients and clinics alike. Additionally, MEB’s standardized embryology practices across its network ensure consistent outcomes, they say.
Legal challenges, Variance in compensation for egg donors
Beyond immediate recruitment challenges, the fertility field is preparing for a future shaped by growing advocacy among donor-conceived individuals. Legal changes like those in Colorado could become more widespread, necessitating proactive measures from clinics and donor networks.
Compensation for egg donors also varies significantly, influenced by state-specific regulations and ASRM guidelines, adding another layer of complexity for clinics navigating these legal landscapes. These inconsistencies require fertility providers to remain agile and informed to maintain compliance while supporting both donors and intended parents.
A Path Forward
As third-party reproduction continues to evolve, clinics must remain responsive, leveraging partnerships with networks like MyEggBank to maintain competitive offerings. The ability to adapt to legislative changes, societal trends, and patient expectations will determine the future success of fertility providers.
Unlock More Opportunities for Your Clinic Today!
Grow Your Clinic and Expand Egg Donor Options—Become a Partner with MyEggBank!
Are you ready to provide more choices for intended parents and offer your clinic the opportunity to join an exclusive, national network?
As a MyEggBank Partner, You Will:
Gain access to a broader egg donor pool
Offer intended parents more options to fulfill their dreams
Provide donors with a safe and trusted environment to donate
Take Action Now - Visit our website to become a partner or affiliate with MyEggBank today!
This News Digest Story is paid featured content. The advertiser has had editorial input and control over its creation. However, the views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Inside Reproductive Health. The sponsorship of this content does not imply an endorsement by Inside Reproductive Health.