The Pros And Cons Of Egg Donation

Ot the surface, egg donation appears to be a win-win situation. A woman has the opportunity to help an individual conceive a child, and in exchange gets reimbursed for their service. A similar, successful type of donation has been in place for a long time which is sperm donation. Sperm donors receive compensation and are able to use their bodies’ natural resources, so women should have the same opportunity. However, these two systems are very different: the egg donation process takes a longer time, has more risks, and can leave long term negative psychological and health impacts on the donor. Though the short and/or long term health effects may not affect all donors and many who take part in egg donation have no symptoms at all, the severity …show more content…
Donating eggs purely for the monetary compensation furthers the objectification of women and normalizes the portrayal of women as objects whose sole purpose is reproductive capacity. Using one’s body for financial gain, despite known and unknown consequences, only reinforces the idea that a woman’s worth is defined by her ability to reproduce and her willingness to comply with society’s “eggspectations” when it comes to the use of her body. Strengthening the view of women solely as a mother and sexual object dehumanizes her. Another reason one might feel compelled to donate is for infertile or same sex couples to have a chance at conceiving and being able to share some DNA with their offspring. Society puts direct and indirect pressure on couples and individuals likewise to procreate and nurture others. This notion of needing to have a family is especially strong for women. Gender roles, as well as sexism, reinforce these beliefs that a woman is intended to carry children rather than pursue other paths in life. The good intention of donating eggs is outweighed by the fact that it reinforces these negative views on women as well as by the health concerns posed for donors and