Author Archives: Tami Sussman

Navigating the Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Egg Donation

As the number of people struggling with infertility continues to rise, the demand for egg donors has increased. Egg donation can provide hope and the opportunity for individuals and couples to start a family. While the process of egg donation is a selfless act of kindness, it is important to consider the emotional and psychological impact it may have on the donor.

At Gift ov life, a leading egg donor agency in South Africa, we understand the importance of supporting our egg donors throughout the process. We believe in creating a supportive and caring environment for our donors, providing them with access to professional counselling services and a dedicated team to help them navigate their journey.

The decision to become an egg donor is a personal one and should not be taken lightly. We ensure that our egg donors fully understand the process and the potential emotional and psychological impact it may have on them. It is important for egg donors to have a support system in place and to be able to discuss their concerns and feelings with those around them.

One of the most important considerations for egg donors is anonymity. In South Africa, egg donation is a completely anonymous process where the egg donor and the recipient have no personal knowledge of each other. Donors are carefully screened and selected based on their medical history, education, and physical characteristics, and their identities are kept confidential. The recipient only receives the donor’s medical information, baby photos, and a description of the donor’s interests and personality traits to assist with the selection process. Similarly, the donor is not informed about the identity of the recipient or the potential children that may result from the donation. This anonymity protects the privacy and confidentiality of both the donor and the recipient.

Another important consideration is the potential emotional attachment to the child. While egg donors are aware that they will not have a parental role in the child’s life, there may be a sense of emotional attachment to the child that arises. This is a natural feeling, and we encourage our egg donors to express their emotions and discuss any concerns they may have with our team.

At Gift ov life, we provide our egg donors with access to professional counselling services to help them navigate their emotional journey. We believe that emotional support is an essential component of the egg donation process, and we are committed to providing our donors with the care and support they need.

We also encourage our egg donors to maintain their physical and emotional well-being throughout the process. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and engaging in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. We also advise our donors to take time for self-reflection and to evaluate their emotional and psychological state regularly.

Feedback from our egg donors has been overwhelmingly positive, with many donors expressing their gratitude for the emotional support they received throughout the process. One donor shared, “I was nervous about the process, but the team at Gift ov life made me feel supported and cared for throughout the journey. I am grateful for their emotional support and guidance.”

Egg donation is a selfless act of kindness that has the potential to change lives. It is important to consider the emotional and psychological impact it may have on the donor and to have a support system in place. At Gift ov life, we are committed to providing our egg donors with the care and support they need to navigate their journey with confidence and ease.

To Tell or Not to Tell: Explaining to your child about their conception via Egg Donation

For many couples or individuals who have turned to egg donation in order to conceive a child, the decision to tell their child about their conception can be a difficult one. However, experts in the field agree that honesty is always the best policy when it comes to explaining to a child about their origins.

While it may be tempting to keep the truth of their conception a secret, this can lead to feelings of confusion and betrayal when the child eventually discovers the truth. Furthermore, keeping the truth a secret may also lead to a sense of shame or embarrassment for the child, as they may feel that there is something wrong with their conception.

To make the process of explaining egg donation to a child easier, it is important to start the conversation early. Children are naturally curious about where they came from, and it is important to provide them with age-appropriate answers to their questions. This can include simple explanations about how a sperm and an egg come together to make a baby, and how sometimes, people need a little help in order to have a baby.

As the child grows older, it is important to provide them with more information about their conception via egg donation. This can include explaining the role of the egg donor, and how they helped to make it possible for the child to be born. It is also important to emphasize that the child was wanted and loved from the moment they were conceived, and that their conception via egg donation does not change this fact.

While it may be tempting to sugarcoat the truth or avoid the topic altogether, it is important to be honest with the child about their origins. This can help to build a strong sense of trust and openness between the parent(s) and child, and can help the child to feel more secure in their identity.

It is also important to remember that every child is different, and may have different feelings and reactions to learning about their conception via egg donation. Some children may be curious and excited about the news, while others may feel a sense of confusion or even anger. It is important to be prepared for a range of reactions, and to provide the child with the support and understanding they need to process their feelings.

When explaining egg donation to a child, it is important to use age-appropriate language and to be sensitive to the child’s emotional needs. This can include avoiding technical jargon or medical terms, and instead focusing on simple, straightforward explanations that the child can understand.

It can also be helpful to involve the child in the process of choosing an egg donor. While the child may not have a say in the physical characteristics or medical history of the donor, they can still be involved in the process of selecting a donor based on personality traits or interests.

Ultimately, the decision to tell a child about their conception via egg donation is a personal one that each family must make for themselves. However, by being honest and open with the child, and providing them with the support and understanding they need, parents can help to ensure that the child feels loved and accepted for who they are, regardless of how they came into the world.

Explaining to a child about their conception via egg donation may seem like a daunting task, but it is important to remember that honesty is always the best policy. By being open and honest with the child, and providing them with age-appropriate information and support, parents can help to build a strong and trusting relationship with their child, and help them to feel secure in their identity.

Navigating the Conversation: How to Talk to Family and Friends About Egg Donation

Egg donation can be an emotional and complex process. As such, discussing it with family and friends can be a daunting task. However, talking to those closest to you can also be an essential source of support during this time. Here are some tips on how to navigate the conversation about egg donation with your loved ones.

Educate Yourself First

Before starting the conversation, it is essential to educate yourself about the egg donation process. Understand the risks, the potential outcomes, and the impact it may have on your physical and emotional health. This knowledge will allow you to answer any questions your loved ones may have and provide them with a better understanding of the process.

Choose the Right Time and Place

Timing is key when it comes to discussing sensitive topics like egg donation. Choose a time and place where you and your loved ones can have a private and uninterrupted conversation. It is also advisable to make sure you are in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Explain Your Reasons

When you start the conversation, be clear about why you have chosen to undergo egg donation. It may be helpful to share your struggles with infertility, your desire to start a family, or your reasons for choosing egg donation as a viable option. This will help your loved ones understand your perspective and appreciate the gravity of the decision you have made.

Address Their Concerns

It is important to anticipate and address any concerns your loved ones may have about egg donation. These could range from the health risks to your emotional well-being and even the legal implications. Listen to their concerns and address them one by one, sharing your knowledge and experience with them.

Set Boundaries

While it is crucial to talk to your loved ones about egg donation, you must also set boundaries. Understand that it is a personal and emotional decision and that you have the final say on what you do with your body. Be firm, but also compassionate and respectful when setting boundaries.

Encourage Open Communication

Egg donation is a life-changing decision, and it is essential to have your loved ones’ support. Encourage open communication, so they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with you throughout the process. You may also want to consider bringing them with you to appointments or involve them in the preparation process.

Provide Resources

Egg donation is a complex process that involves many steps, and there is a lot of information to take in. Providing your loved ones with resources such as websites, books, and support groups can help them understand the process better and provide them with additional support.

Talking to your loved ones about egg donation may seem daunting, but it is an essential part of the process. By educating yourself, choosing the right time and place, explaining your reasons, addressing their concerns, setting boundaries, encouraging open communication, and providing resources, you can navigate the conversation with confidence and ease. Remember, you are not alone, and your loved ones can provide a valuable source of support during this time.

Common myths and misconceptions about egg donation

Egg donation is a medical procedure that involves a healthy young woman donating her eggs to help infertile couples or individuals have a baby. However, despite the growing popularity of egg donation as a viable fertility treatment, there are still many misconceptions and myths surrounding the process. In this article, we will debunk some of the common myths and misconceptions about egg donation.

Myth 1: Egg donation is the same as surrogacy.

Many people believe that egg donation is the same as surrogacy, but these are two distinct medical procedures. Egg donation involves a woman donating her eggs to another woman, while surrogacy involves a woman carrying a baby for another couple or individual. While egg donation is a crucial part of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, surrogacy is an entirely separate procedure.

Myth 2: Egg donation is only for infertile couples.

While egg donation is primarily used as a fertility treatment for couples struggling with infertility, it is not the only group that can benefit from it. Same-sex couples, single parents, and women who have undergone cancer treatment can all use egg donation as a means to have a child.

Myth 3: Egg donors are only motivated by money.

One of the most common misconceptions about egg donation is that donors are only motivated by money. While egg donors are compensated for their time and effort, it is not the only reason why they choose to donate. Many egg donors are motivated by a desire to help others and make a positive impact on someone else’s life.

Myth 4: Egg donation is a dangerous procedure.

Egg donation is a safe and highly regulated medical procedure. The egg retrieval process is performed under anesthesia, and donors are closely monitored throughout the process to ensure their safety. While there are potential risks associated with any medical procedure, the chances of serious complications during egg donation are extremely low.

Myth 5: Egg donors will run out of eggs.

Many people believe that by donating their eggs, women will run out of eggs and have difficulty conceiving later in life. However, this is not true. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and they will continue to produce eggs every month regardless of whether they donate their eggs or not.

Myth 6: Egg donors are required to have sex with the intended father.

Another common misconception about egg donation is that the donor is required to have sex with the intended father. This is not true. The egg donation process involves the donor providing her eggs to a fertility clinic, where they are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the intended mother’s uterus.

Myth 7: Egg donors are at risk of developing ovarian cancer.

There is no evidence to suggest that egg donation increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer. In fact, research suggests that women who have undergone fertility treatments, including egg donation, are no more likely to develop ovarian cancer than women who have not.

Myth 8: Egg donation is illegal.

In South Africa, egg donation is a legal and regulated procedure. The Policy Committee of the South African Society of Reproductive Science and Surgery oversees the process, and egg donors must meet strict screening criteria before they are allowed to donate.

Egg donation is a safe and regulated medical procedure that offers hope to infertile couples and individuals. It is essential to separate myths and misconceptions from the facts to make an informed decision about egg donation.

By understanding the facts, individuals can make a decision about whether egg donation is right for them.

The impact of egg donation on future fertility of an egg donor and reproductive health

Egg donation is a process through which a young woman voluntarily donates some of her eggs to be used during third party fertility treatments. The donated eggs are used by women who have lost their ovaries to cancer or have suffered premature ovarian failure, or same-sex male couples who need an egg donor to have a family. Egg donation is legal and strictly regulated by the Policy Committee of the South African Society of Reproductive Science and Surgery.

In South Africa, egg donors remain anonymous, with only her medical history, education, physical features, characteristics, interests, etc., being revealed to prospective recipients. The donor never meets or makes contact with the recipients, and only baby photographs of the donor are submitted. The amount paid to egg donors in South Africa is often the cause for the stigma and misconceptions that surround egg donation. However, the amount paid (which is R7 000) has been carefully assessed and determined to essentially cover the incidentals that the donor will incur. Although the money certainly helps, it is definitely not the motivating factor, and egg donors donate out of sheer kindness and to make a genuine difference in someone else’s life.

Donating eggs has no effect on a donor’s future ability to conceive, since those eggs would have gone to waste anyway during her menstrual cycle. Egg donation carries some risk, but it is extremely rare, and occurs in less than 1% of all donations. The primary risk is a condition called Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which is caused by the ovary producing too many eggs as a result of the drug stimulation. OHSS can vary from mild to severe. Donors are closely monitored throughout the donation process to prevent OHSS from happening.

The egg donation process involves going on the pill for a month, followed by two weeks of hormonal treatment which culminates in the egg retrieval process. The egg donor is placed under conscious sedation during the egg extraction procedure, which feels like a deep sleep. Egg extraction is followed by a period type cramping, but nothing more than that.

The misconception that by donating eggs, these young women are somehow ‘using up’ their supply of eggs, which means they will run out by the time they themselves want to have a child is not true. Each month the ovaries produce eggs, whether you donate them or not. Egg donation has no impact on the future fertility of an egg donor and does not have any effect on the donor’s reproductive health.

Egg donation is a highly regulated process that ensures the safety of both the donor and the recipient. Egg donors are healthy, young women over the age of 21 from any ethnicity and background. Suitable donors are selected by the egg donation agencies based on strict screening criteria. Egg donors receive some money for their time and effort, which is reasonable compensation for the time, effort, and expense involved in this selfless act of generosity.

Egg donation is a compassionate and selfless act that helps couples and individuals achieve their dream of starting a family. It is a safe and highly regulated process that does not affect the donor’s future fertility or reproductive health. Egg donors donate out of sheer kindness and to make a genuine difference in someone else’s life. Egg donation is a gift of life that provides hope and joy to those who are struggling to start their family.

The Smoking Gun: The Link Between Cigarettes and Infertility

Smoking has long been associated with a host of negative health effects, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. However, few people realize that smoking can also have a profound impact on fertility, making it difficult or even impossible for some people to conceive.

The link between smoking and infertility is well-established, with research showing that smoking can affect both male and female fertility. For women, smoking can interfere with ovulation, making it harder to get pregnant. It can also affect the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for the egg and sperm to meet. For men, smoking can lead to a decrease in sperm count and motility, making it more difficult to fertilize an egg.

In addition to these direct effects on fertility, smoking can also impact the success of fertility treatments. Women who smoke are less likely to respond to fertility drugs, and they have a lower chance of success with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments. In fact, research has shown that smokers require more cycles of IVF to achieve a successful pregnancy than non-smokers.

Despite the clear link between smoking and infertility, many people continue to smoke, either because they are unaware of the risks or because they find it difficult to quit. However, quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to improve your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.

When you quit smoking, the benefits to your fertility can be significant. For women, quitting smoking can increase the likelihood of ovulation and improve the quality of eggs. It can also improve the chances of success with fertility treatments like IVF. For men, quitting smoking can improve sperm count and motility, making it easier to fertilize an egg.

In addition to these fertility benefits, quitting smoking has a host of other health benefits, including a lower risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It can also improve your overall quality of life, with many people reporting increased energy, improved sense of taste and smell, and a better mood after quitting smoking.

If you are trying to conceive, it is important to quit smoking as soon as possible. Quitting smoking can be difficult, but there are many resources available to help you. Your doctor can provide advice and support, and there are many smoking cessation programs and products available that can help you quit.

Some people may worry that quitting smoking will be too stressful or will make it harder to cope with the challenges of infertility. However, quitting smoking can actually be a positive step towards taking control of your health and your fertility. It can also be a way to take care of yourself and to improve your overall well-being during a challenging time.

In conclusion, smoking has a clear and significant impact on fertility, and quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. If you are trying to conceive, it is important to quit smoking as soon as possible and to seek support and resources to help you through the process. By quitting smoking, you can take control of your health and your fertility, and improve your chances of achieving your dream of becoming a parent.

Egg donation for same-sex couples and single parents

Egg donation has become a popular option for couples and individuals who wish to start a family but are unable to conceive naturally. Same-sex couples and single parents in South Africa are no exception, and egg donation has provided them with the opportunity to become parents and start a family.

For same-sex couples, egg donation provides the option for one of the partners to carry the baby while the other partner provides the sperm. This has become increasingly popular in South Africa due to the country’s progressive laws on same-sex marriage and family planning. Same-sex couples can legally adopt children or undergo fertility treatments, including egg donation, to start their own family.

Single parents, on the other hand, may choose egg donation as a means to become a parent without a partner. Many single parents in South Africa have turned to egg donation as a viable option for family planning. Egg donation can also provide the opportunity for single women to become pregnant and have a biological connection with their child.

Egg donation in South Africa is a highly regulated process that ensures the safety of both the donor and the recipient. The egg donation process involves a donor providing their eggs to a recipient who is unable to produce their own. The recipient undergoes fertility treatments to prepare their body for the embryo transfer, which is the final stage of the process. Once the embryo is transferred, the recipient carries the baby to term and gives birth.

For same-sex couples and single parents in South Africa, finding a suitable egg donor can be a daunting task. However, reputable egg donor agencies have a database of healthy young female volunteers between the ages of 21 and 34 years old who meet strict screening criteria. The egg donor profiles contain extensive and detailed information about the donor’s physical traits, full medical history, family information, academic information, personality traits, interests, social as well as professional aspects.

All efforts are undertaken by reputable egg donor agencies to optimise the process for egg donors and their recipients to make the process as efficient as possible and to increase the success rate of conception. An established egg donation agency will be able to effectively guide and support recipients about selecting the right profiled egg donor. It is important that people have access to a solid and reputable egg donor database.

One of the advantages of using an egg donor in South Africa is the variety of donors available from different races and ethnicities. This is beneficial for same-sex couples or single parents who want their child to have a diverse genetic background. In addition, South Africa’s egg donor program allows future parents to view full information about prospective donors, including family history, education history, medical information, and photos of the donor as a child.

The cost of egg donation in South Africa is significantly lower than in other countries, making it an affordable option for same-sex couples and single parents who may not have the financial means to undergo fertility treatments elsewhere. The favourable exchange rate also enables many patients who travel to South Africa from other countries for fertility treatment to combine the trip with a vacation, which is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa as more patients and their partners decide to go on that dream safari while here for their IVF treatment.

In terms of the legal and ethical considerations of egg donation in South Africa, the country has strict legislation that protects the rights of the donor, the recipient, and the child. The Children’s Act of 2005, for example, stipulates that all parties involved in the egg donation process must provide written consent, and the donor must undergo counselling before proceeding with the donation. The Act also provides for the anonymity of the donor, and the recipient has no legal claim to the donor’s identity or any contact with them.

For same-sex couples and single parents, egg donation provides an opportunity to fulfil their desire to start a family and become parents. The process is highly regulated, safe, and efficient, and the availability of a diverse range of donors makes it an attractive option for those who wish to have a child with a diverse genetic background. Egg donation agencies in South Africa ensure that the process is transparent, with donors being thoroughly screened, and recipients having access to all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

It is worth noting, however, that the emotional aspects of egg donation can be challenging for both the donor and the recipient. Donors may feel a sense of loss or disconnection from their genetic material, while recipients may struggle with feelings of guilt or shame for not being able to conceive naturally. Counselling is available to both parties, and it is strongly recommended that they take advantage of this support to ensure a positive outcome for all involved.

In conclusion, egg donation in South Africa is an excellent option for same-sex couples and single parents who wish to start a family. With a highly regulated and efficient process, a diverse range of donors, and affordable costs, South Africa is becoming a popular destination for fertility treatments. It is essential to work with a reputable egg donation agency and to take advantage of the available support to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience for everyone involved. By embracing egg donation, same-sex couples and single parents in South Africa can fulfil their dreams of parenthood and raise healthy, happy children.

Epigenetics & Donors Eggs

The bond between a mother and her child is one of the most special and profound connections in the world, and it goes far beyond mere genetics. For those who struggle with infertility and turn to donor eggs, there may be concerns about their ability to connect with their baby on a deeper level. But the truth is that research has shown that birth mothers using donor eggs do have a significant impact on the development and future health of their babies.

One of the key factors in this is epigenetics. While genes ultimately control all human processes, epigenetic controls may play an even greater role in health and development. Essentially, the activity levels of certain genes may be “dimmed” or turned up in response to external cues from the environment – even in the womb. This means that, as a donor egg recipient, your body still influences the gene development of your baby.

From the moment of implantation and throughout the entire pregnancy, every cell in the baby’s body is influenced by the birth mother’s body. All the nutrients that the mother intakes are used to build the little human inside of her, and the baby lives in the birth mother’s embryonic fluid for nine months, sharing her blood flow, rhythm, and more. The baby’s gene expression is influenced by the prenatal environment of the mother’s womb.

And the influence goes both ways. The cells of the baby migrate into the mother’s bloodstream, leaving a permanent imprint in the mother’s tissues, bones, brain, and skin, often staying there for decades. This is known as “fetal-maternal microchimerism.” Every child a mother has afterwards will leave a similar imprint on her body, too. Research has even shown that if a mother’s heart is injured, fetal cells will rush to the site of the injury and change into different types of cells that specialize in mending the heart.

In other words, the baby helps repair the mother, while the mother builds the baby. It’s an amazing symbiotic relationship that lasts long after birth.

So, while it’s understandable that a future mother to a baby conceived through a donor egg may worry about feeling connected to her baby, it’s important to remember that the connection goes far deeper than genetics. The bond between a mother and her child is cellular and permanent, and it is just as strong and meaningful regardless of whether the baby was conceived through donor eggs or not.

Of course, this is not to say that the decision to use donor eggs is an easy one. There are many complex emotional and ethical considerations to take into account. One of the key concerns is the balance between altruism and compensation for egg donors.

In South Africa, egg donors are healthy young female volunteers between the ages of 21 and 34 years old, and they receive reimbursement for their donation. However, the amount of compensation is carefully regulated to ensure that donors donate for altruistic reasons rather than financial gain. In other words, donors are motivated by the desire to help others rather than the desire to make money.

This ethical balance is critical to ensuring that the process of donor egg conception remains both safe and positive for all involved. It is essential that egg donor agencies carefully screen donors to ensure that they are healthy and understand the potential risks and benefits of egg donation. It is also important that donors are compensated fairly for their time and effort, but not so much that it undermines the altruistic nature of the donation.

The ethics of egg donation in South Africa are complex, but they ultimately boil down to the desire to help others. For those who choose to use donor eggs to conceive, the connection between mother and child goes far beyond genetics and is rooted in the prenatal environment and the cellular bonds that are formed between mother and child. It is important to approach the egg donation process with care and consideration

How to choose an egg donor

Selecting the right egg donor is a crucial step in the process of having a baby through egg donation. It can feel overwhelming, almost like going on a blind date, but without the opportunity to see or meet the donor in person. Fortunately, reputable egg donation agencies like Gift ov Life in South Africa have a vast database of healthy, young female volunteers between the ages of 21 and 34. Future parents have access to these profiles, which provide detailed information about the donor’s physical traits, medical history, family background, academic qualifications, personality traits, interests, and availability.

It is important to note that South African egg donors’ identities are kept anonymous, which means that future parents only have access to baby and toddler photos of the donor. This anonymity is to protect the donor’s privacy and to ensure that she does not face any unwanted attention or harassment.

The extensive information provided in the egg donor profiles allows future parents to make informed decisions and select a donor who closely matches their own physical attributes and personality traits. This process helps to increase the success rate of conception, as the egg donor’s characteristics are a significant factor in the child’s genetic makeup.

Reputable egg donation agencies have a responsibility to optimise the process for both the egg donors and the recipients, making it as efficient as possible. This support includes guidance and advice for recipients on how to select the right egg donor based on their specific needs and preferences. Egg donation agencies should also ensure that the egg donors receive appropriate medical care and are reimbursed fairly for their time and effort.

For future parents, finding the right egg donor is a significant step in the journey to parenthood. It is not only about finding someone who is a good physical match but also about selecting a donor who has similar values and interests. Sometimes, the connection is purely intuitive, and the recipient experiences a sense of contentment and peace when reading a specific egg donor’s profile.

Selecting the right egg donor is a critical step in the process of having a baby through egg donation. It requires careful consideration of the donor’s profile, including physical attributes, medical history, family background, and personality traits. Egg donation agencies have a significant responsibility to ensure that the process is optimised for both the egg donors and the recipients, and that the egg donors are treated fairly and with respect. The goal is to ensure that the child is born healthy and with the best possible genetic makeup, and that the recipient experiences the joy of parenthood.

Egg Donation Agencies: Ensuring Ethical and Safe Practices in South Africa

Egg donation agencies, also known as egg donor agencies, have become increasingly important in treating infertility in South Africa. This is due to the growing demand for egg donations, as approximately one in six couples experience fertility challenges, often related to poor egg quality in women over the age of 35. Egg donation agencies recruit egg donors and match them with recipients, providing an essential service in our society.

However, there is a risk of problems arising if egg donation agencies are ungoverned. Thus, regulations exist to govern egg donation agencies to prevent unethical practices and to protect the interests of both egg donors and recipients. The laws governing egg donation in South Africa are detailed in the National Health Act of 2004, and the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG) provides guidelines for egg donation agencies to operate legally and ethically.

SASREG guidelines ensure that egg donation agencies provide complete and accurate information, maintain anonymity of donors and recipients, and take care of egg donors’ physical and reproductive health. Furthermore, egg donation agencies must not facilitate the travelling of donors outside South Africa and should declare any financial or commercial relationships with egg donation agencies.

Most fertility clinics only work with egg donation agencies that follow the SASREG ethical guidelines. Choosing a SASREG-accredited egg donation agency provides reassurance that the agency operates according to these guidelines, protecting both the egg donor and the recipient.

To find a SASREG-accredited egg donation programme, you can visit www.sasreg.co.za or contact the Department of Health