Egg and sperm donation: an issue for health care professionals?

The author, who is Chair of the National Gamete Donation Trust, outlines the problem of individuals for whom the only hope of having a child of their own is through infertility treatment using donated eggs or sperm (gamtete donation). Although there are licensed centres where this treatment is available, there is a serious shortage of donor eggs for infertile women. The National Fertility and Embryo Authority has ruled against payment for donor eggs but women who have given eggs report satisfaction at having been able to help others, despite the discomfort and inconvenience. The author stresses the need to raise awareness of gamete donation among the public and health professionals and lists agencies providing further information.