According to the National Infertility Association, more than 7 million Americans are affected by infertility and the number of couples seeking fertility treatment is sky rocketing each year.
As the demand for egg donation rises, companies are becoming desperate and sometimes they are willing to pay up to $10,000 for an egg. It's become such a lucrative business that more and more so-called "egg broker agencies" are popping up all over the US.
You see their ads everywhere; on college newspapers, magazines, and even online. but unlike the fertility clinics, these egg brokers do not provide medical services. Their main focus is to recruit egg donors, and experts say sometimes what you see on their ads may not be what you get.
Experts say before you answer those ads, you may want to find out who placed them and ask lots of questions.
"The absolutely number one thing would be do you follow the ethical guidelines set forth by the America Society for Reproductive Medicine," said Houston I.V.F. Founder, Dr. Timothy Hickman.
Unlike most egg brokers, Houston I.V.F. provides all the screening and medical procedures for its donors. Experts say it's also a good idea to find out who is responsible for your medical bills and what will happen to the information you provide.
Experts warn sometimes, those ads appear to be placed on behalf of a specific couple, when really there is no couple willing to pay those enticing fees. Often, it's just an egg broker trying to attract lots of applicants.
"If someone is trying to recruit donors in that way, that would be completely inappropriate," said Dr. Hickman.
"I think it's unfair to pray on our need for money right now, especially when we are trying to so some good for ourselves," said Ladell Whitfield, a UH Student.
Experts say sometimes, the information about the applicants may be used on the brokers' other ads to attract recipients. To prevent that from happening to you, health officials say you need to specifically refuse permission.
Experts say there are also lots of reputable egg brokers out there. Just make sure you read all the fine print and consent forms carefully before you make a decision.
As the demand for egg donation rises, companies are becoming desperate and sometimes they are willing to pay up to $10,000 for an egg. It's become such a lucrative business that more and more so-called "egg broker agencies" are popping up all over the US.
You see their ads everywhere; on college newspapers, magazines, and even online. but unlike the fertility clinics, these egg brokers do not provide medical services. Their main focus is to recruit egg donors, and experts say sometimes what you see on their ads may not be what you get.
Experts say before you answer those ads, you may want to find out who placed them and ask lots of questions.
"The absolutely number one thing would be do you follow the ethical guidelines set forth by the America Society for Reproductive Medicine," said Houston I.V.F. Founder, Dr. Timothy Hickman.
Unlike most egg brokers, Houston I.V.F. provides all the screening and medical procedures for its donors. Experts say it's also a good idea to find out who is responsible for your medical bills and what will happen to the information you provide.
Experts warn sometimes, those ads appear to be placed on behalf of a specific couple, when really there is no couple willing to pay those enticing fees. Often, it's just an egg broker trying to attract lots of applicants.
"If someone is trying to recruit donors in that way, that would be completely inappropriate," said Dr. Hickman.
"I think it's unfair to pray on our need for money right now, especially when we are trying to so some good for ourselves," said Ladell Whitfield, a UH Student.
Experts say sometimes, the information about the applicants may be used on the brokers' other ads to attract recipients. To prevent that from happening to you, health officials say you need to specifically refuse permission.
Experts say there are also lots of reputable egg brokers out there. Just make sure you read all the fine print and consent forms carefully before you make a decision.
