By Beth E. Roxland, J.D., M.Bioethics

In 2009, New York became the first state to permit its funded researchers to reimburse women who donate oocytes directly and solely to stem cell research, not only for the woman’s out-of-pocket expenses, but also for the time, burden and discomfort associated with the donation process. This article explores the extensive deliberations leading up to the decision on donor compensation, which included analysis of the scientific need for oocytes, the procedures and risks involved in the egg retrieval process, and methods for ensuring fully informed, voluntary consent from donors. It also examines the ethical and policy rationales behind the decision to permit compensation for oocyte donations to stem cell research in amounts allowed by the State for oocyte donations to in vitro fertilization.