The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has, after a public consultation exercise, decided to allow women to donate their eggs for research projects (see press statement). As this form of altruistic donation raises ethical issues, additional safeguards will be put into place to ensure that women are not being coerced into donating. These safeguards include giving the woman detailed information regarding the research being conducted, ensuring there is a separation between the people providing the treatment and the researchers, and making sure the person obtaining the consent from the women is independent of the research team. Women will not be paid for donating their eggs, as in other countries; they will only be paid for the expenses incurred during the donation process (up to £250). Also, women will be given a period of time during which she can reconsider her decision prior to her eggs being harvested.
The HFEA recognises that these safeguards are important as this issue has caused much debate (see news story). Some opponents argue that as human eggs are a scarce and precious resource, researchers should use alternative sources of eggs until their research methods are further perfected. Others worry about the potential for women to suffer side effects of their donation, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, when they are not receiving any benefits of the treatment in return. Proponents counter that women have been donating eggs for many years and should be allowed to make their own choices in this matter. The HFEA has agreed. As Angela McNab, Chief Executive of the HFEA, said in their press statement, “Given that the medical risks for donating for research are no higher than for treatment, we have concluded that it is not us to remove a woman’s choice of how her donated eggs should be used.” The HFEA do not expect a large number of women to begin donating as there are very few laboratories involved in this work. Earlier this year, the North East England Stem Cell Institute in Newcastle was awarded a temporary licence to approach women regarding altruistic donation (see news story).