What is happening to the price of eggs?
OBJECTIVE
To survey reproductive medical programs that are members of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) to ascertain their ovum donor compensation rates.


METHODS
Survey.


METHODS
Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology member programs.


METHODS
None applicable.


METHODS
One-page anonymous e-mail survey returned by FAX within 1 week.


METHODS
Clinics were asked if they have a donor oocyte program, and, if yes, their standard compensation rate. In addition, clinics were asked if there are other variables that increase compensation rates, and, if yes, the maximum compensation. Data were analyzed according to U.S. geographic regions.


RESULTS
Over half SART clinics (53%, 207 out of 394) responded to the survey, with 191 (92%, 191 out of 207) having a donor oocyte program. The national average for standard donor compensation was $4,217, with a maximum payment average of $4,576. Geographic location affected compensation rates, with highest reported standard mean compensation in the East/Northeast ($5,018) and West regions ($4,890), and lowest in the Northwest ($2,900).


CONCLUSIONS
The national average for compensating oocyte donors in reporting SART programs is approximately $4,200.
Covington
Sharon N
SN
Gibbons
William E
WE
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D003625:Data Collection / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018587:Oocyte Donation / Q000191:economics* / Q000639:trends*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States