Oocyte Donation

At the time of its introduction, oocyte donation was a radical approach to reproduction with limited indications; in just three decades, it has become a mainstream treatment option that offers a high chance of success to a wide variety of infertile couples. While enormous progress has been made with regard to improving treatment outcomes, new work in the field has focused on the long-term physical and mental health of not only the recipient but the oocyte donor and donor offspring as well. Longstanding and ongoing discussion amongst ethicists, clergy, physicians, and all interested parties with regard to establishing and protecting ethical standards of practice has been a salient feature of the growth of the field. New scientific and technological advances, such as efficient oocyte cryopreservation and stem cell technology, will undoubtedly continue to expand the applications of oocyte donation.