The oversight and practice of oocyte donation in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada

Title: The oversight and practice of oocyte donation in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada
Format: Journal Article
Publication Date: March 2011
Published In: HEC Forum
Description: In vitro fertilization using donated oocytes is an important medical technique that provides the only option for some infertile patients to have children. The technique remains ethically contentious, however, and, as a result of this controversy, different oversight approaches have been developed in countries around the world. This paper examines the oversight and practice of oocyte donation in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States to examine how policy choices have influenced the development and use of this medical technology. Examining per capita utilization of oocyte donation in these three countries provides evidence that supply-side policies-specifically policies affecting the compensation of potential oocyte donors-have substantially influenced the use of this technology. These results should provide useful insight for policymakers developing or revising oocyte donation policies. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Citation: HEC Forum. 23. Issue 1. 15 - 30. ISSN 0956-2737. DOI 10.1007/s10730-010-9145-2.
Related Departments:
  • School of Public Policy