Assisted Reproductive Rechnology

Paper Summary:

This paper examines egg donation and to a lesser extent, sperm bank markets in the U.S. and the U.K., looking at the industry's pricing mechanisms (payment in the U.S. versus non-payment in the U.K.) and trends, and analyzing the implications in both systems. The papers contends that the altruistic model adopted by the U.K. may be shortsighted and inefficient, while the compensation scheme in the U.S. is unbalanced and at times excessive. The paper also discusses how a more transparent structure in both countries, allowing open discussion of the system, would partially alleviate economic distortions. Finally, some of the non-economic concerns and developments that affect the market are considered.

Outline:
Introduction
Size of Market in Egg and Sperm Donation
A Brief Description of the Process
Buyers and Sellers
Product Differentiation and Price Discrimination
Altruism in Blood Donation
Pricing Mechanism of Sperm Banks
Changing Technology
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Assisted reproductive technology, specifically egg and sperm donation, is a globally viable option. To date, there is no global consensus on whether or not there should be a commercial market, what regulations should be enforced, what enforcement mechanisms should be adopted, or how to address the ethical and moral dilemmas within the baby business. In the United States (U.S.), payment to egg donors is unofficially accepted, yet compensation for ovum donors to stem cell research is strictly prohibited. Because payment of the first is regulated by state law, there are 50 different possible pricing schemes in the U.S. In contrast, the United Kingdom (U.K.) officially forbids payment to egg donors. The U.K. system relies on altruism and egg sharing to attract suppliers into the fertility pool. Other countries, including Canada, India, and some European nations have adopted other payment and donation systems for collecting gametes. The global market for oocyte products does not have a cohesive framework within which to work. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Associated Press, "Frozen egg banks offer new fertility options," Foxnews.com, May 2, 2006, available at <http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,194021,00.html>.
• Balen, Adam. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: A Short Report for the HFEA, Feb. 2005. <http://www.infertilitynetworkuk.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=143>.
• Briggs, Helen. "Donor Crisis 'Fuels IVF Tourism,'" BBC News Dec. 14, 2006.
• Cohen, Jessica. "Grade A: The market for a Yale woman's eggs," The Atlantic Monthly (Dec. 2002). 290.
• Howley, Kerry. "Ova for Sale," Reason 19, 19 (Oct. 2006)

More papers on Assisted Reproductive Rechnology:

• Persuasive Essay # 142052 : "Assisted Reproductive Technology in the US"
• Research Paper # 98088 : "Assisted Reproductive Technology"
• Research Paper # 84332 : "Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Stress"

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