A new book titled “Eggonomics” by Diane M. Tober exposes significant racial disparities in egg donation payments in the United States. The author’s research, based on a study of over 900 egg donors, reveals that White women can receive up to eight times more compensation for their eggs compared to Black women. The top rate for White donors was found to be around $100,000, while Black donors received a maximum of only $12,000.
Tober’s work highlights how donor profiles are used as marketing tools to attract intended parents, with women possessing desired social and physical traits selling faster and to a wider range of prospective parents. This practice has led to concerns about eugenics, with one donor expressing discomfort with the specific traits requested from her.
The book also sheds light on the financial motivations behind egg donation, with many women turning to it due to the cost of living crisis or high student debt. Tober emphasizes that donors are not “industry-serving machines” but human beings with complex motivations who often put their bodies on the line to help create families for more affluent individuals.
Furthermore, “Eggonomics” raises questions about potential health risks associated with egg donation, particularly for those who donate repeatedly. Tober includes accounts of young, healthy donors developing health problems soon after donating and calls for more research to fully understand the risks involved.
To address these issues, Tober proposes several recommendations for the industry, including improving transparency, enhancing donor rights and safety, and implementing practices to ensure all donors and intended parents are treated with respect regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or patient status.
See “Eggonomics reveals racial disparities in U.S. egg donation payments” (September 2, 2024)
