S
Spoken4
Guest
There are several clinics in our area that advertise in search of egg donors. I realize that “artificial means” for achieving pregnancy are not permissible for Catholics; that is, Catholics should not undergo IVF or other “artificial” forms of conception. But is it permissible for Catholics to donate eggs in order to help other (maybe non-Catholic) families to conceive?
In these harsh economic times, young women who are having a difficult time finding jobs may be tempted to turn to something like this in order to make what they perceive as “good money”. Some of these clinics advertise very high pay… $60,000 for 6 donation cycles, for instance. These women might also think that they’re helping a family to achieve the gift of life. Others might think that egg donation is no different than donating blood or platelets.
However, I can see some faults-- for instance, if these eggs become fertilized but not implanted, what becomes of the embryo? That’s just one “qualm” that I can see, but maybe I’m overthinking. Further, I don’t see this as ‘donation’; I see it as ‘selling’. Again, maybe I’m overthinking… but it bothers me.
Is egg donation allowed?
In these harsh economic times, young women who are having a difficult time finding jobs may be tempted to turn to something like this in order to make what they perceive as “good money”. Some of these clinics advertise very high pay… $60,000 for 6 donation cycles, for instance. These women might also think that they’re helping a family to achieve the gift of life. Others might think that egg donation is no different than donating blood or platelets.
However, I can see some faults-- for instance, if these eggs become fertilized but not implanted, what becomes of the embryo? That’s just one “qualm” that I can see, but maybe I’m overthinking. Further, I don’t see this as ‘donation’; I see it as ‘selling’. Again, maybe I’m overthinking… but it bothers me.
Is egg donation allowed?