Fifteen people charged in connection with egg donor exploitation in India

Fifteen people, including five doctors, have been charged in Maharashtra, India, following an investigation into the exploitation of financially vulnerable egg donors.

A nearly 5000-page chargesheet was filed before a court in Ulhasnagar. The investigation began in February after a woman reportedly approached a public health centre in Badlapur claiming that she had not been paid for donating her eggs (see BioNews 1329). Egg donation is tightly regulated in India, where the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act limits donation to one cycle in a woman's lifetime and bans commercialisation.

Local deputy commissioner of police Sachine Gore, told the Hindustan Times: 'As of now, our investigation is around 95 percent complete'. He added: 'We have booked 15 accused in the case and arrested eight. The remaining accused could also be arrested during further investigation, depending on their role in the racket.'

Investigators examined over 250 egg donation procedures involving more than 30 women. Police also allege that some women underwent repeated egg retrieval procedures in exchange for payments of 25,000-30,000 rupees (£200-£250) per cycle. One woman reportedly donated...