In egg donation, the adoptive mother becomes pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using a donated ovum and and delivers her baby. The baby may or may not be conceived using her partner's sperm. The mother is not a genetic relative of the baby, but has gone through the pregnancy experience. In adoption, the mother is not a genetic relative, nor does she carry the baby in her uterus. Instead, another woman conceives and carries the baby to term, then later gives up her parental rights to the adoptive parents, at birth or later.
Emotional Significance
Mothers who have gone through the egg donation route to pregnancy report feeling an emotional connection to the baby before he or she is born, whether she is a genetic relative. Usually any fears or doubts about the baby's genetic origins dissipate after birth and as bonding commences.
Some parents choose adoption after struggling with infertility. The decision to choose adoption may be difficult as it may involve making emotional peace with the loss of the dream of conception. In adoption, the bonding process is most favorable if the adoptive family is formed during the first three years of the child's life. However, older children can form positive relationships with their adoptive families.
Financial Significance
Egg donors and their agencies may receive approximately $7,000 for their time and effort in producing ovum for the prospective parents. A single cycle of IVF may cost $9,500 and it may take multiple cycles to be successful.
The cost of adoptions can range widely. Adopting from the foster care system is usually the lowest cost option, while international adoptions are more expensive. Adoptive families may be able to take advantage of tax credits or subsidies for their expenses.
Time Frame
Egg donation takes only a few weeks after a match with a recipient has been made. An IVF cycle may take several weeks.
According to a survey of U.S. adoptive parents of babies born in the United States conducted by Adoptive Families magazine in 2006, 59 percent were matched with a birth mother within six months of applying, and 29 percent were matched after birth.
Benefits
The main benefit of egg donation is the bonding with the baby that occurs while in utero and the chance to experience pregnancy firsthand. The baby may also be a genetic relative of the father who intends to raise him or her.
The main benefit of adoption is the chance to help a child who needs a family, and to experience a high success rate; IVF is not always successful.
Considerations
As prospective parents, only you can decide what family-building option is best for you after considering how these emotional, time and financial factors affect you. There are many resources available on the Internet and in your community to help you make the decision.
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