The age of recipient in egg donation (ovum donation) program at O.L.G.A. Fertility Clinic is under 50.
Though there are no waiting lists for anonymous egg donation (ovum donation) in our clinic, we practice both allowed models of egg donation: “known” egg donation (by “own egg donors”) and anonymous egg donation.
We believe that each couple understands various egg donation types differently and may have fear of unknown genetic material in anonymous egg donation, confidence in the "own" egg donor in “known” egg donation. The choice between absolute anonymity and the "own" donor is made by patients themselves. We supply all the information needed for decision making. In 80% of cases our patients choose an anonymous egg donor, and in 20 % of cases – the "own" egg donor.
In both cases an egg donor undergoes stimulation for a particular couple. All the egg cells retrieved at this stimulation belong to the couple, are fertilized with the sperm of the partner. The rest of the embryos can be frozen, belongs to this couple and can be used for future pregnancies or attempts.
Considering low risk of transmission of serious infectious disease through egg donation (ESHRE Task Force on Ethics and Law 2002), higher success rate in "fresh" than in "frozen" cycle, no legal restriction on this question in Russia we do not freeze embryos before transfer and make “fresh” embryo transfer.
Selecting an anonymous egg donor, we consider race, basic phenes (height, eyes and hair color, skin), blood group and Rh-factor, as well as special concerns of a couple. Recipients are provided with comprehensive non-identifying information about their egg donor (i.e. such information that does not contain any personal data). For the purpose of keeping the egg donor's privacy untouched, we don't supply photographs.
When donation is made by a "known" egg donor, age limit can be raised. In this case we inform patients about higher genetic risks and recommend prenatal diagnosis after conception.
Full anonymity is supported by legislation of Russian Federation (Foundations of legislation of Russian Federation on protection of people's health (revision as of 20 December 1999, item 35). We treat absolute anonymity with respect. We inform our patients that if the procedure is anonymous, no identifying information will be disclosed to the parents or the egg donor. No information about the fact of egg donation will be disclosed by the clinic to the child. Thus we believe to protect parents, the donor and the child.
As to literature dealing with advantages and disadvantages of disclosure or non-disclosure to the child of the fact of using a donor egg for conception, it is mainly of pure theoretical value. Nothing is known about remote results
We consider our task to be providing couples with true and fair information and giving them opportunity to decide themselves what model of family relations fits them best.
Related pages in other lnguages: English Egg donation Deutsch Eizellspende Netherlands Eiceldonatie Dansk Ægdonation