$27,000!? That's right. The estimated cost of ONE in vitro fertilization cycle with use of donor eggs is definitely not cheap. Most insurance companies cover nothing with regards to these types of fertility problems, so having a baby with IVF can be quite a financial burden for a couple. I recently became aware that Shady Grove has implemented an amazing "Shared Risk Program" for couples who have no fertility insurance coverage. Couples who are accepted into the program pay a flat fee, and if they do not conceive a child after 6 IVF cycles they receive a 100% refund. About 70% of SG's clients choose this option because of the amount of stress it relieves concerning the cost of IVF. If you're interested in seeing the complete break-down of the costs of IVF, and the options available to couples struggling with fertility problems, click here and then on "Donor Egg Financial Program Guide" PDF.
After reading through the estimated costs for IVF, I felt pretty guilty for even thinking about the money that I will receive when I donate my eggs. Just for applying to the program and being accepted, I got a check in the mail for $50. Once I complete my Donor Day orientation, I get another $450. To top it off, my eggs get me a staggering $6000 on the day of retrieval. Refer a friend? $250. And if I ever get picked to donate again, I get $6500 for each additional cycle (I believe up to 6 cycles are allowed). Potentially, I could earn $39,000. Wow.
I know I probably shouldn't feel this way, but looking at the numbers on paper almost makes me feel like I'm stealing. It's obviously not my fault that I was blessed with being fertile and another woman was not, but I can't help but feel that I don't deserve to be paid for something like this. I've been trying to brainstorm ideas pertaining to what exactly I should do with the money... Maybe this is another opportunity to "pay-it-forward"?
There are many who cannot afford it, and apply for grants through the Tina Q. Cade foundation. you could donate to them, some of your money.
ReplyDeletemy heart is touched that you are so generous in doing this. Bless you!
Thank you! I will definitely look into what TQCF has to offer.
ReplyDeleteAs an egg recipient myself, I think you are paying it forward by donating your eggs. The money is payment for your time, and what you are putting your body through. While it is a beautiful gesture to consider donating some of your earnings to a foundation to help women who cannot afford treatment, or to another great cause, you also deserve at the end of all this to treat yourself wonderfully- by treating yourself to a trip somewhere you've always wanted to go, or buying yourself something you've always wanted to have. Or saving the money for the future.
ReplyDeleteI hope the money my donor received from me was used in a way that made her life better/easier-she deserved it.
This is very true. I am considering investing some of the money with help of a financial advisor if everything pans out. I figured with the price of college these days I should start investing for my own future children!
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