Egg Donation: A Victory for Reproductive Justice or Another Handmaid’s Tale?

One of the central topics of the election campaign was undoubtedly abortion—a key issue in the fight for reproductive justice. However, reproductive justice encompasses far more than abortion. The egg donation industry has expanded into a multi-billion dollar market. While altruism frequently frames their actions, financial incentives are central to attracting  many young women to donate—really, sell—their eggs. Upon closer examination, egg donors play a subordinate role despite being essential for the market to function. This post explores the egg market in the U.S. and Europe, shedding light on its implications for the reproductive rights of third parties involved in the process.

The U.S.: A free market model

In the U.S., egg donation operates as an unregulated free market. Compensation varies widely, reaching up to $250,000 in exceptional cases, with an average payment of approximately $7,000. Efforts by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) to regulate this market through guidelines capping payments failed: ASRM attempted to limit donor remuneration to $10,000. However, two donors sued ASRM, claiming the guidelines violated U.S. antitrust laws by constituting price-fixing. In 2015...