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http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=14&click_id=117&art_id=nw200705011009…

In their quest to start a family, Canadian couples are illegally buying human eggs online, according to an investigation by public broadcaster CBC.

Canada outlawed the purchase of eggs in 2004, as part of an act to prevent human cloning. Anyone convicted of buying eggs faces a fine of up to $450 000 (about R3.1-million) or 10 years in jail.

But it is not illegal for women to sell eggs.

Six Canadian women who advertised their eggs on the Internet told CBC they were willing to undergo treatment that could fetch up to 20 eggs, for a fee of up to $6 300 (about R44 000).

And they admitted to lying to doctors about receiving payments to undergo such procedures.

Despite the stiff penalty, the unidentified egg donors said they felt compelled to help childless couples and claimed the fees they charge are simply "fair compensation" for the toll fertility treatments take on their bodies.

Assisted Reproduction