The Human Egg Trade

In 2007, Heather Cox received $7,000 in exchange for providing her eggs to an infertile couple. Those who provided this payment were breaking the law. To date, no criminal charges have been laid in this case or similar cases where there is anecdotal evidence of money being exchanged for eggs. The combination of scarce availability and strict prohibition against payment has created a black market for human eggs in Canada, and a gray market for eggs in transnational trade. This CIHR Café will examine the serious ethical and legal consequences of this trade in human eggs, and the potential health implications for providers. Questions to be explored include: Are egg providers fully informed of the potential medical and psychological risks? Are egg providers less likely to report complications and future health problems when there has been an exchange of money for eggs? What is the underlying ethical rationale for prohibiting payment for human eggs in Canada? Are financial transactions for eggs that occur over the internet using a non-Canadian agency legal? What are legitimate reimbursable expenses? Should there be financial compensation for medical injury? Are the young women who become egg providers being exploited?