The smiling faces of doting new parents as they look down on their bundle joy is often the image that accompanies the thought of fertility and reproductive procedures. This final product is the last in many steps of reproductive medicine, a process that, in many cases, begins with the gametes of strangers.
For those who donate the fruits of their healthy reproductive system, helping to bring the pitter-patter of little feet into a lonely household is only part of the reward.
Sperm donation, an overall easier process than egg donation, is a lot more common, with donators typically receiving about $60 for each passing specimen. These men are usually required to go into a clinic about twice a week, according to representatives of the Fertility and Reproduction Center at Rochester's Strong Memorial Hospital.
For women, the process is complicated and can be physically demanding, but can pay up to $35,000 in extreme cases.
Eric Hillery, a sophomore psychology, English and education major, said he has looked into the prospect of sperm donation, but was unable to meet what he considers strict requirements and personal limitations.
Hillery said though he believes that female donors are more greatly rewarded, whether or not to donate sperm is not a question with which he has difficulty.
"If someone needs (sperm) someone should give (sperm)," he said. " If someone needs money and are cool with giving their (sperm) what's the problem?"
The Fertility and Reproduction Center at Rochester's Strong Memorial Hospital is one place where those who need sperm and eggs and those who have no problem donating their sperm and eggs come together.
The center offers a full range of infertility and reproductive services, which include in-vitro fertilization, male and female infertility, sperm banking, and an egg donor program.
Roxanne Taylor, a nurse specialist at the center, makes it clear that not just anyone who is strapped for cash can make donations.
"We are looking for healthy, non-smoking women under the age of 32 who might consider donating their eggs to help an infertile couple," she said. "Women from all ethnic backgrounds can participate in the program, and will be financially compensated for their time."
Although Rochester's program is anonymous, meaning that the egg or sperm donor will never meet or learn the name of the recipient couple, the donor is required to fill out an extensive application and profile, which can be reviewed by the family.
Doctors request a detailed physical description, an analysis of health, and a family history. Their application also has a few questions from a more social scope including how many tattoos and piercings one has, one's weight at 21, and how much alcohol one consumes.
"Basically these applications are necessary to give the families an idea of what they can expect. Because they're giving so much for a chance at pregnancy, they deserve a healthy child," said Taylor.
Besides the comprehensive application that must be completed, potential donors, especially female donors, are in for a big time commitment. Besides required educational teaching and screening visits, female donors need frequent check-ups and blood tests before their eggs are ready to be harvested.
When all the preparation is complete, the actual appointment of retrieval takes about four hours. The donor is put under anesthesia, and generally only suffers minor discomfort, although they are not allowed to drive home. Taylor said that the procedure is relatively simple, despite the time consuming process leading up to it.
While some students like Hillery said they would have no problem with donating their gametes, others think the process is unsettling.
"I had never really thought about egg donation," said Maggie Bach, a senior psychology major. "But despite the possible (rewards), I feel like it's something I would be uncomfortable doing."
Mark Boyd, a senior majoring in environment design, said he wouldn't take donating a part of himself lightly.
"I'd have to be really, really strapped for cash, it wouldn't be something I'd do for the heck of it," he said.
Boyd said he is uneasy with the thought of not knowing what would be in store for a child with his genes.
"I'd rather have an input on what happens to the samples," he said.
For others, however, the opportunity to make a substantial amount of money from participation in egg and sperm donation is an attraction.
An Internet search for egg donors will lead to hundreds of web pages devoted and maintained by women who are ready and willing to sell their eggs.
Beautiful women post photos of themselves, their GPA's, and other stats like height and weight, hoping to pique the interest of couples seeking donors.
One such Web site, www.ronsangels.com, with its motto of "Come up to beauty, come up to Ron's angels," auctions off the eggs and sperm of beautiful male and female models.
Ron Harris, a fashion photographer and video director, claims that beauty leads to a more successful and happy life; and judging by the bids of up to $150,000 on the site, many potential parents believe in what he has to offer.
Sara Ali, a graduate student studying higher education administration, said she is put-off by what Web sites like this stand for, and by the process of egg donation itself.
"I understand that many families are incapable of having children themselves, but I would never feel comfortable being a donor," she said. "With all that goes on in the world today you never know what might happen to a child who is biologically yours."
Ben Golden, a junior political science major, said he believes the number of good people and potentially good parents who are seeking donations is enough reason to consider making donations.
Golden said he certainly considers himself an ideal donor.
"I think I'm a great person and I think my offspring would be wonderful for any hopeful mother."
