Egg Donation...

[Diane_Windsor]

I have been thinking about donating my eggs for a few years now. But in order to really consider it I had to wait until I was 21 years old. Now that I am I have thought about donating my eggs to a couple who can't get pregnant.

As a sufferer of the disease of infertility I think that is a wonderful idea regardless of what your motives are. However, if you go this route then you do need psychological counseling to prepare yourself for the process.

I was talking to someone the other day and they told me that a Christian shouldn't do this because I am playing God by giving a few of my eggs to a women who has bad eggs to help them have a child because they were never suppose to have children otherwise they would on their own.

How does this individual feel about adoption then? My infertile Baptist grandparents were blessed by the three children they adopted, and in turn those children were blessed by their adoptive parents. Is the Republic of Texas guilty of "playing God" (whatever that means ) by adopting out three abused children to a loving infertile couple who otherwise could not have children? I think not.

What about all of the teen mothers who give up their children for adoption (as opposed to abortion or raising the baby) to couples that may be experiencing infertility struggles? There are at least three teen moms on 16 and Pregnant who chose the route of adoption.

My advice to you is to read and study this issue, and most importantly, to come to your own conclusions. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

 

[98cwitr]

go for it...thank you for sharing your DNA

 

[Bella Vita]

As a sufferer of the disease of infertility I think that is a wonderful idea regardless of what your motives are. However, if you go this route then you do need psychological counseling to prepare yourself for the process.



How does this individual feel about adoption then? My infertile Baptist grandparents were blessed by the three children they adopted, and in turn those children were blessed by their adoptive parents. Is the Republic of Texas guilty of "playing God" (whatever that means ) by adopting out three abused children to a loving infertile couple who otherwise could not have children? I think not.

What about all of the teen mothers who give up their children for adoption (as opposed to abortion or raising the baby) to couples that may be experiencing infertility struggles? There are at least three teen moms on 16 and Pregnant who chose the route of adoption.

My advice to you is to read and study this issue, and most importantly, to come to your own conclusions. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

Ya they require a psychological evaluation on every candidate to make sure you can handle the process mentally. I have a friends who has donated 5 times and she told me everything you have to go through. It is not an easy process to get into and few people are picked after completing the whole process. But I would like to try I think it is important to give what I can. I am a smart pretty girl someone might want my genes LOL. =]

 

[dies-l]

As a sufferer of the disease of infertility I think that is a wonderful idea regardless of what your motives are. However, if you go this route then you do need psychological counseling to prepare yourself for the process.



How does this individual feel about adoption then? My infertile Baptist grandparents were blessed by the three children they adopted, and in turn those children were blessed by their adoptive parents. Is the Republic of Texas guilty of "playing God" (whatever that means ) by adopting out three abused children to a loving infertile couple who otherwise could not have children? I think not.

What about all of the teen mothers who give up their children for adoption (as opposed to abortion or raising the baby) to couples that may be experiencing infertility struggles? There are at least three teen moms on 16 and Pregnant who chose the route of adoption.

My advice to you is to read and study this issue, and most importantly, to come to your own conclusions. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

I, too, struggle with infertility, so I can appreciate where you are coming from.

I see a huge difference between manufacturing a child and adopting one. Adoption is a GREAT option for infertile couples. Some fertility techniques run so contrary to Christian values that they should not even be considered by believers (e.g., IVF, which invariably results in the destruction of human embryos), and then there are those morally ambiguous areas, such as the one we are describing. However, I believe that a Christian view of human dignity would tend to point someone away from such procedures.

But, I also notice that you do not call yourself a Christian. Your opinion is certainly valued, but I am guessing that you are not here representing a Christian worldview.

 

[Bella Vita]

I, too, struggle with infertility, so I can appreciate where you are coming from.

I see a huge difference between manufacturing a child and adopting one. Adoption is a GREAT option for infertile couples. Some fertility techniques run so contrary to Christian values that they should not even be considered by believers (e.g., IVF, which invariably results in the destruction of human embryos), and then there are those morally ambiguous areas, such as the one we are describing. However, I believe that a Christian view of human dignity would tend to point someone away from such procedures.

But, I also notice that you do not call yourself a Christian. Your opinion is certainly valued, but I am guessing that you are not here representing a Christian worldview.

Yes but remember not everyone can adopt it is a very hard/strict process. With a ton of paper work and money it can take years and you may not even be approved. This is another option for those who can not go the adoption route the rules are less strict because they get half of the couples own DNA. Adoption is great od course but it doesn't always work for everyone.

 

[Alyssum]

Yes but remember not everyone can adopt it is a very hard/strict process. With a ton of paper work and money it can take years and you may not even be approved. This is another option for those who can not go the adoption route the rules are less strict because they get half of the couples own DNA. Adoption is great od course but it doesn't always work for everyone.

My husband and I adopted two children and in the end it didn't cost us a cent. God has a way of working His will.

 

[Bella Vita]

My husband and I adopted two children and in the end it didn't cost us a cent. God has a way of working His will.

Well adoption is not always the best rout for everyone. I am glade it worked out for you guys though. =]

 

[dies-l]

Yes but remember not everyone can adopt it is a very hard/strict process. With a ton of paper work and money it can take years and you may not even be approved.

Honestly, it's not that hard or strict. And, there are multiple options available for people who want to adopt. Essentially, anyone who could not be approved in a at least one of the available adoption procedures is not fit to parent a child. And, it doesn't take that much longer than it takes to get pregnant and carry the child to term. I can understand that some people would prefer not to adopt, but the reasons you provided are not based on reality.

This is another option for those who can not go the adoption route the rules are less strict because they get half of the couples own DNA. Adoption is great od course but it doesn't always work for everyone.

Like I have said, there specific moral issues involved in processes like you are describing. My objection is based on these issues, not on how it relates to adoption. Egg Donation, Sperm donation and similar processes are geared towards manufacturing "designer" children, which reduces human beings to just another consumer commodity.

 

[Bella Vita]

Honestly, it's not that hard or strict. And, there are multiple options available for people who want to adopt. Essentially, anyone who could not be approved in a at least one of the available adoption procedures is not fit to parent a child. And, it doesn't take that much longer than it takes to get pregnant and carry the child to term. I can understand that some people would prefer not to adopt, but the reasons you provided are not based on reality.




Like I have said, there specific moral issues involved in processes like you are describing. My objection is based on these issues, not on how it relates to adoption. Egg Donation, Sperm donation and similar processes are geared towards manufacturing "designer" children, which reduces human beings to just another consumer commodity.

Actually it is we aren't just talking about adopting in the states but overseas as well. I have a friend who's parents adopted two little girls from China. When you deal with other countries you deal with their rules and they are hard. They had to visit the country 2 times before they could actually take each of the girls home ( very expensive) not to mention the actual trip to get them. A person adopting from China must wait until the baby is two years or older before they actually get them they don't allow adoptions of younger ages. The rules are very strict you can never have been on an anti depressant or have seen a therapist. That is stupid my friend was on medication after her dad was killed and was in therapy for it for a while, but she is fine now she is not mental in any way and would be a great mom. But again they have really strict rules they are just one example adoptions from other countries are hard adoptions here are hard.

Any kind of medical history at all could keep you from adopting. I know a coupld from my church the wife had stage 2 thyroid cancer it is the easiest cancer to treat she did treatment (surgery). And is fine now and has been for 7 years no cancer had come back. But they looked into adoption and were turned down because of her medical history. So they are looking into an egg donor as another possible option because adoption was so strict.

Adoption is great don't get me wrong but it is very strict and not everyone even good couples can make it through the process. Some of them are for dumb reasons so they need other options.

 

[If Not For Grace]

We looked briefly at various fertility treatments, such as IVF, sperm donation, etc., and ultimately decided that we would not seek to produce a baby by any means other than the way that God designed, and in no event would we even consider any treatment that resulted in the potential disposal of human embryos.

Based on attitudes like these^ We should still be walking everywhere we go. God did not design cars that I know of neither did Jesus use any.

Even if you have to have that kind of attitude can't you do it in revese & say if God
does not want someone to be born they won't be?

Donate all the eggs you want to child, God gives the Gift of life, perhaps you were meant to help. God judges by the heart, this child has the heart we all should have.

 

[dies-l]

Actually it is we aren't just talking about adopting in the states but overseas as well. I have a friend who's parents adopted two little girls from China. When you deal with other countries you deal with their rules and they are hard. They had to visit the country 2 times before they could actually take each of the girls home ( very expensive) not to mention the actual trip to get them. A person adopting from China must wait until the baby is two years or older before they actually get them they don't allow adoptions of younger ages. The rules are very strict you can never have been on an anti depressant or have seen a therapist. That is stupid my friend was on medication after her dad was killed and was in therapy for it for a while, but she is fine now she is not mental in any way and would be a great mom. But again they have really strict rules they are just one example adoptions from other countries are hard adoptions here are hard.

Any kind of medical history at all could keep you from adopting. I know a coupld from my church the wife had stage 2 thyroid cancer it is the easiest cancer to treat she did treatment (surgery). And is fine now and has been for 7 years no cancer had come back. But they looked into adoption and were turned down because of her medical history. So they are looking into an egg donor as another possible option because adoption was so strict.

Adoption is great don't get me wrong but it is very strict and not everyone even good couples can make it through the process. Some of them are for dumb reasons so they need other options.

As someone who has been through the process, I can say with certainty that it is not nearly as difficult or discriminatory as you make it sound. When my wife and I started down the adoption path, we were a bit timid because we had heard of stories like these. But, what we found out is that there are many avenues of adoption available, some of them more restrictive than others, but virtually anyone who is physically, emotionally, and mentally able to parent a child can adopt if they choose to do so.

 

[dies-l]

Based on attitudes like these^ We should still be walking everywhere we go. God did not design cars that I know of neither did Jesus use any.

Cars and children are not the same. The fact that you would compare the two actually kinda proves my point that we have lost our sense of the inherent value of human beings.

Cars are consumer commodities. Consumer commodities have not inherent dignity as the image of God. Human beings do, and human beings should not be converted into consumer commodities. Whether you agree with my beliefs on things like IVF and egg donation, let's not make false comparisons between children and cars.

Even if you have to have that kind of attitude can't you do it in revese & say if God
does not want someone to be born they won't be?

Except, I never made any argument of the sort. I never said "if God wants you to have a child, He'll give you one", and I would never make that argument, because it is utterly ridiculous (which is probably why you want to put those words in my mouth in the first place). I have no problem with fertility treatments that are designed to increase the likelihood of a man's sperm fertilizing his wife's ovum through an act of intercourse. I have no problem with infertile couples adopting children. I have no problem with infertile couples praying for fertility.

I do not, however support any technique that results in the destruction of human embryos. (e.g., IVF) And, I do not support any technique that is designed to create a child using parts from people who are selectively chosen for their "optimal" DNA.

Donate all the eggs you want to child, God gives the Gift of life, perhaps you were meant to help.

Perhaps. And, my opinion is just that: an opinion. However, I believe that it is conformed to the biblical idea of human dignity. This is why I say that the poster should not rely on my opinion, but should talk to her pastor and some trusted mature Christian women and decide for herself what is right. But, since she asked for opinions, I shared mine.

God judges by the heart, this child has the heart we all should have.

To some extent, I agree. Certainly, He treats willful sin differently than a genuine mistake or misunderstanding. But, this statement could be construed as "as long as your heart's in the right place, God won't mind whatever you do", which couldn't be further from the truth. We see throughout the Scriptures men and women who make genuinely heartfelt decisions against the will of God incur God's anger or judgment.

 

[Standing_Ultraviolet]

Edit: As I am considering Catholicism, I am currently taking a look at natural law theology and reconsidering my opinions on the morality of artificial means of conception such as IVF. As a result, I have deleted this post.

 

[Exodus35]

You read what I was saying wrong. I was saying that it is similar to adoption in the sense that the child is not my responsibility because I am not the parent. A person who gives their child up for adoption may be the natural parent but they aren't responsible they aren't a parent in any other sense. Same here the child is half mine by DNA but that's it DNA is all that connects us just like someone who gives their child up for adoption DNA is it. The child if one is produced is not my child or my responsibility and I will get to meet the couple and make sure they are good parents and good people I can back out if I am not comfortable at any time. But I will never meet the child or be in their life in anyway.

If you were donating your eggs, you wouldn't be receiving financial compensation. A donation is giving, not making a profit. If the heart of your intentions was to bless a couple with the eggs they need to have a baby, you would give expecting nothing in return.
It would seem morally irresponsible to go to some clinic and hand over what was intended to be the fruit of your womb to a complete stranger, not knowing if that baby would be raised by a lesbian couple, an atheist couple, a buddhist couple. God gave you those eggs for you to have children with your husband to raise up heirs to God's kingdom, not to pimp out to pay bills.

 

[Bella Vita]

If you were donating your eggs, you wouldn't be receiving financial compensation. A donation is giving, not making a profit. If the heart of your intentions was to bless a couple with the eggs they need to have a baby, you would give expecting nothing in return.
It would seem morally irresponsible to go to some clinic and hand over what was intended to be the fruit of your womb to a complete stranger, not knowing if that baby would be raised by a lesbian couple, an atheist couple, a buddhist couple. God gave you those eggs for you to have children with your husband to raise up heirs to God's kingdom, not to pimp out to pay bills.

I'm sorry but that is the way that it works they are getting a baby so in return they pay my medical bills. And for all the health check ups, the hormone shots I take, the final procedure they pay for all of it and yes I get compensation for my gas to drive to and from Chicago and for my time missed from work to do the process. It is not cheap to do this for me or for them I am doing it out of my heart but I have to get paid something cause I still have bills to pay and I will have to miss work to do this. It is not all about the money I do want to help a family but the reality is this process takes 3 months and I can't afford for the family to not pay me something.

 

[amandita]

I do not, however support any technique that results in the destruction of human embryos. (e.g., IVF) And, I do not support any technique that is designed to create a child using parts from people who are selectively chosen for their "optimal" DNA.

This is kind of off topic, but it was on my mind so I wanted to get it out. I don't think IVF is bad if done wisely. I am an IVF baby. My mother, a Christian, could not have children "naturally" because of some health problems. I think I should mention that she and my daddy were foster parents before I was born, and I also believe they looked into adoption but it never worked out for them. My grandmother told me that all my mom ever wanted to be in her lifetime was a mom. She and my father tried and tried but could never conceive, despite many fertility treatments. Finally, her doctor recommended IVF. No embryos were destroyed, thrown away, donated for research, etc. My mom is extremely pro-life and does not agree with those things. It would break her heart to lose a baby. They only removed and fertilized a few eggs. The first two times the embryos implanted but were miscarried in the first trimester of pregnancy. The next time around, I was created. I quite enjoy my life and am happy to be here, so I'm very glad my mom went through IVF. I have some younger siblings who are IVF babies, too. I remember all of the shots and other preparation my mom went through to have them. It was very, very rough on her. And, I am very proud to say that my mom never aborted or discarded any of the embryos.

I think in the right circumstances IVF can be a blessing. It can also be very unethical. It is one of those situations where you can murder someone with the same knife you use to butter your toast. It just depends on how it is used, in my opinion.

 

[Rev.Ross]

I believe that egg donation is like sperm donation. It is a means to allow an infertile couple to bring life into this world. It is not sin is any way, as it contributes to life. I am prolife and that is why I am for sperm and egg donation. IF reimbursement takes place, there is nothing wrong with that. If the recipients of the egg or sperm offer compensation, that is just evidence of their good intent. God bless women who donate eggs.
Rev. Ross

 

[dies-l]

I am prolife and that is why I am for sperm and egg donation.

This is like saying "I am pro-life, so I support sexual promiscuity". After all, sexual promiscuity brings a lot of children into the world. However, it is clearly not the way God intends. I would argue the same about sperm and egg donation, ESPECIALLY when they are used to create IVF embryos that will ultimately be deemed unnecessary and thus destroyed. The point is that it is insufficient to say that "if it generates life, then it's okay." The better question should be whether it generates life in a way that is consistent with biblical teachings on sexuality and life. I don't believe that egg/sperm donation are.

 

[samyfaxo]

The Egg donation is a task performed by a lady who is not related to the gent. The donor will play the role of mother that the baby gong to be born. The egg donation enables successful treatment to those couples in which the woman has lost her ability to produce healthy eggs, this may occur primarily by to main causes as Congenital, which deals with the defects in chromosomes and Dimini9shed ovarian reserve due to endometriosis and other reasons.

 

[Reformed Baptist 1689]

I have been thinking about donating my eggs for a few years now. But in order to really consider it I had to wait until I was 21 years old. Now that I am I have thought about donating my eggs to a couple who can't get pregnant. Yes I will be getting paid for my donation and this will go to my husband's schooling/student loans and other life bills. But I don't want to do it just for the money I want to really help someone have a child. I was talking to someone the other day and they told me that a Christian shouldn't do this because I am playing God by giving a few of my eggs to a women who has bad eggs to help them have a child because they were never suppose to have children otherwise they would on their own. But really I don't think I am God is the one who will decide if the egg gets fertilized and actually makes a baby not me I am just helping the process along. Lots of children are born from the help of a donor if God didn't want those children born he wouldn't have them be born. Yes I am aware that half of my DNA will be out there in a child but it doesn't bother me the child will never be mine obviously it will be the couple who I am giving this amazing gift to. All of this is assuming I even get picked by a couple to use my eggs it goes by looks and IQ all kinds of things go into play if and when a couple chooses me and I can still turn them down both parties have to agree to use each other for this process.

Anyways has anyone else donated their eggs or know anyone who has what was your experience?

And what do you think of this all around issue from a Christian point of view?

well apart form the fact that this will lead to aborted babies, and then the massively increased risk of cancer to yourself as result of the drugs used to stimulate the ovaries it should be fine!