US to allow the sky’s the limit for donors

US to allow the sky’s the limit for donors

From the US today comes news that the American Society for Reproductive Medicine has settled a court case brought by disgruntled egg donors over a cap on the amount that they might get paid.

The ASRM has agreed to remove the caps on payments. The deal still needs the approval of a court. Currently the amount that egg donors can be paid in the US varies, by virtue of the ASRM guidelines, to be between US$5,000 and US$10,000. The donors claimed that the caps were in effect an unlawful cartel.

This step is a retrograde one. No doubt the ASRM felt that legally it did all it could. The removal of a cap opens the possibility of exploitation of donors,  with all that entails. I say possibility, because we really don’t know what might happen. Donors might be paid a huge new amount, or the market might work- and the amounts may not vary much.

A likely impact is that unpaid donors in the US asre now going to be as rare as hen’s teeth. Therefore those (unpaid) donors in the US whose frozen eggs are exported to Australia for IVF here are likely not to donate- making the shortage of donors here more acute, and with the outcome that more Australians will go overseas for egg donation.

Legislation to cap payments to donors in the US is clearly needed. The sooner, the better.

Things to Read, Watch & Listen

International Embryo Disputes. Important Things to Know

Embryo disputes can be complex and challenging, especially when they cross international borders. Understanding the legal implications in different jurisdictions is crucial for anyone navigating these sensitive situations.

How to Choose the Best Family Lawyer

Choosing the right family lawyer is crucial, especially when facing matters that can be both emotionally and financially taxing. With countless lawyers practising in family law, finding the right fit for your unique situation can make all the difference.

Legal Expertise in Fertility: Stephen Page Speaks at Virtus Health and Queensland Fertility Group Events

Our legal director, Stephen Page, was recently honoured to speak at two prestigious events: the Virtus Health Australian Doctors’ meeting in Sydney and a dedicated gathering of fertility specialists from the Queensland Fertility Group.

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board