What is happening to the price of eggs?

ObjectiveTo survey reproductive medical programs that are members of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) to ascertain their ovum donor compensation rates.DesignSurvey.SettingSociety of Assisted Reproductive Technology member programs.Patient(s)None applicable.Intervention(s)One-page anonymous e-mail survey returned by FAX within 1 week.Main Outcome Measure(s)Clinics were asked if they have a donor oocyte program, and, if yes, their standard compensation rate. In addition, clinics were asked if there are other variables that increase compensation rates, and, if yes, the maximum compensation. Data were analyzed according to U.S. geographic regions.Result(s)Over half SART clinics (53%, 207 out of 394) responded to the survey, with 191 (92%, 191 out of 207) having a donor oocyte program. The national average for standard donor compensation was $4,217, with a maximum payment average of $4,576. Geographic location affected compensation rates, with highest reported standard mean compensation in the East/Northeast ($5,018) and West regions ($4,890), and lowest in the Northwest ($2,900).Conclusion(s)The national average for compensating oocyte donors in reporting SART programs is approximately $4,200.