More and more couples in the UK are exploring egg donation because natural conception is not possible. Egg donation has been legal here since the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (as amended 2008), but the process is highly regulated. This guide brings together everything you need to know—from the medical protocol to costs and success rates, right through to the current regulatory framework and potential reforms.
How Does Egg Donation Work?
First, the donor undergoes a course of hormonal stimulation to encourage multiple eggs to mature. A specialist then retrieves these mature eggs under ultrasound guidance. In the laboratory, the eggs are fertilised via in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The resulting embryos are transferred into the recipient’s uterus. While genetically the child derives from the donor, UK law recognises the birth mother as the legal mother.
Legal Status in the UK
Under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (amended 2008), egg donation is permitted but strictly regulated. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) oversees all licensed fertility clinics. Donors may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses—currently capped at £750 per cycle—but must not be paid a fee for their eggs. Donors and recipients must sign detailed consent forms that outline medical risks, anonymity considerations (donors are identifiable after the child turns 18), and legal parenthood. Clinics follow NICE fertility guidelines to ensure safety and ethical standards.
Embryo Donation – Widely Available
Embryo donation is also legal and relatively common in the UK. Couples with surplus fresh or frozen embryos may donate them to other couples. The HFEA requires all donors to undergo thorough genetic screening, and recipients must consent to adopt the embryos. Many UK clinics run embryo donation programmes, often with shorter waiting times compared to egg donation.
Parentage Law: Who Is the Mother?
According to UK law, the woman who gives birth is the legal mother, regardless of genetic contribution. If a child is born to a recipient after egg donation, the recipient is recognised as the mother on the birth certificate. Any challenges to parentage must be resolved under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act or through the courts, though clear HFEA guidelines generally prevent disputes.
Surrogacy – Altruistic Only
Commercial surrogacy is prohibited by the Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985. Only altruistic surrogacy agreements—where the surrogate receives reasonable expenses—are legal. Intended parents should obtain a Parental Order after birth to become the legal parents. The process involves background checks, counselling, and court approval. Many UK families using donor eggs also consider surrogacy to carry the pregnancy, subject to the same regulations.
Medical Risks at a Glance
Donors: Common side effects of ovarian stimulation include mild nausea, headaches, and bloating. Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs in approximately 1% of cycles Braat et al. 2014. Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure but carries a small risk of bleeding or infection. Recipients: A UK observational study reported that pregnancies resulting from donor eggs have a higher risk of preeclampsia compared to those from autologous eggs Magnusson et al. 2021. In experienced HFEA-licensed clinics, most egg donation cycles proceed without major complications when monitored closely.
Current Success Rates
The latest HFEA report (2023) shows that UK clinics achieved an average live birth rate of 60% per fresh donor egg cycle HFEA 2023. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports live birth rates around 55% per recipient cycle for women under 30 using donor eggs CDC 2022. Top UK clinics employing advanced lab techniques and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) often exceed 65% success rates per transfer Embriogyn 2024. Key factors include the donor’s age and health, embryo quality, and the embryology team’s experience.
Cost Comparison for 2025
In the UK, NHS-funded egg donation is available under specific criteria—typically for women with premature ovarian failure or after cancer treatment—but waiting lists are long. Private clinic fees (excluding medication and travel) range from £5,000 to £10,000 per cycle. Many UK residents travel abroad to reduce costs. Below are 13 popular destinations, converted to British pounds:
- Spain – £6,000–£9,000, anonymous donation, success rates up to 60%
- Czech Republic – £5,500–£8,500, anonymous donation, short wait times
- Greece – £6,000–£9,000, updated traceability laws since 2023
- Portugal – £6,500–£9,500, no anonymity; child may learn donor identity at 18
- Bulgaria – £5,000–£7,500, anonymous donation, maximum five children per donor
- Ukraine – £5,500–£8,000, liberal regulations but ongoing political risk
- USA – £12,000–£18,000, open donation, extensive genetic screening
- Canada – £10,000–£15,000, altruistic system, no donor compensation
- Israel – £8,000–£11,000, anonymous donation, strict medical requirements
- Japan – £7,500–£11,000, anonymous donation, limited disclosure laws
- Hungary – £6,000–£8,500, only related donors allowed, no anonymity
- Georgia – £5,000–£7,500, liberal regulations, short wait times
- France – £6,500–£9,500, no anonymity since 2022
In addition to clinic fees, include the cost of medication, travel, and accommodation. Most couples budgeting for treatment abroad should plan for £10,000–£15,000 per cycle.
Outlook: Any Upcoming Reforms?
The UK government has no major legislative changes to egg donation planned for 2025. The HFEA continues to review and update guidance, but the core framework under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act remains stable. Couples should stay informed via the HFEA website for any policy updates.
Sperm Donation – A Quick, Legal Alternative
If male factor infertility is the issue, sperm donation is legal across the UK and easier to arrange than egg donation abroad. RattleStork connects intended parents with verified donors, offering secure messaging, cycle tracking, and standard legal agreements—all within a user-friendly app.
Conclusion
Egg donation in the UK is legal and regulated, with both NHS and private options. Private costs can be significant, leading many couples to seek treatment abroad. Anyone considering donor egg treatment should work with experienced lawyers, understand state regulations, and choose reputable HFEA-licensed clinics. Thorough preparation is the key to maximising success.