Short answer: South African law does not cap the number of donation cycles directly. It says a donor may not have more than 6 children born from her donations, and many EDSA donors donate more than once.
What the law says
Egg donation in South Africa is regulated by Chapter 8 of the National Health Act (Act 61 of 2003). It states that a donor may not have more than 6 children born from her donation or donations. A record is kept of all donations and any resulting pregnancies.
Can I donate more than once with EDSA?
Yes. Many of our donors donate more than once. Each time you donate, you are compensated R8 000, paid into your bank account, and you do not pay for the medical procedures.
Will repeat donation affect my fertility?
Donating is extremely unlikely to affect your own fertility, because the eggs retrieved are eggs that would otherwise have been lost naturally during your cycle. Read more in will donating eggs affect your future fertility?
What about the age limit?
EDSA donors are between 19 and 29. Your donor profile and screening are kept up to date, and your coordinator guides you through each cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a limit on how many times I can donate?
The law limits a donor to 6 children born from her donations.
How much do I get each time?
R8 000 per donation.
Where does the donation take place?
This depends on the recipient’s doctor. EDSA works with clinics across the country.
Children, not cycles
The law limits the number of children born from a donor’s eggs, not the number of donation cycles. A record is kept of all donations and any resulting pregnancies.
What repeat donors can expect
- A fresh cycle each time: about 10 days of injections, 3 to 4 scans and a retrieval under general anaesthetic
- R8 000 compensation every time you donate, paid into your bank account
- No cost to you for the medical procedures
- Support from the same coordinator who knows your history
See your egg donation cycle, day by day.
Looking after yourself between donations
Each cycle uses the same medication as IVF patients, and complications are rare. Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) happens in about 1.5% of egg donor cycles, and donors are cared for and monitored by our doctor. If you are thinking about donating again, speak to your coordinator about how you felt in your last cycle and whether you have any concerns.
Questions to ask your coordinator
- How many children have been born from my previous donations?
- When would be a good time for my next cycle?
- Is there anything I should tell the doctor about my last cycle?
Take the next step
EDSA was founded in 2007 and is South Africa’s first egg donor agency. Our team is led by Kimenthra Raja, an embryologist with more than 20 years of IVF laboratory experience, and our egg donation coordinator, Kinny Ramoeng, supports each donor personally. Read our complete guide to becoming an egg donor, visit the donors page, browse the egg donor FAQs or apply now. You can also contact us or call +27 83 761 6961.