In a significant move, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has proposed an upward adjustment in compensation for sperm and egg donors across the UK. The suggested revision, marking the first increase in over a decade, follows deliberations at an Authority Meeting held on March 20, 2024.
Under the proposed changes, sperm donors are slated to receive an additional £10 per donation, with the recommended compensation rising from £35 to £45 per donation cycle. Similarly, egg donors are set to benefit from a substantial increase, with compensation escalating from £750 per donation cycle to £986.
Julia Chain, chair of the HFEA, underscored the necessity of reviewing donor compensation, highlighting the impact of inflation on the value of existing compensation rates. The proposal aims to address this disparity by incorporating an inflation-based adjustment, acknowledging the commitment and contribution of donors to the fertility process.
The recommendation, based on a calculated inflation rate of 31.5 percent between 2012-13 and 2023-24, is applicable to all fertility clinics in the UK. However, it’s noteworthy that donors at Scottish NHS clinics are ineligible for compensation.
Stakeholders, including donors, donor-conceived individuals, and industry experts, have advocated for an increase in compensation to align with inflation and address the evolving ‘cost of living crisis.’ The proposed adjustment seeks to uphold the value of compensation set in 2011, reflecting the changing economic landscape.
The HFEA intends to implement the revised compensation rates in the near future, subject to resource availability and procedural adjustments. Additionally, it plans to review the compensation cap periodically, ensuring alignment with economic indicators and prevailing market conditions.
Furthermore, the HFEA recommended aligning the compensation rate for overseas donors with the revised UK rates, recognizing the need for consistency and fairness across donor programs. This consideration reflects the evolving dynamics of donor compensation and underscores the HFEA’s commitment to equitable practices within the fertility sector.
