Less than 3% of U.S. women accepted as egg donors, study finds

Thousands of women in the United States donate their eggs each year, yet a new study led by researchers at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom shows that only a tiny fraction of those eggs actually make it through the stringent selection process required for clinical use. Published in the journal *Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology*, the research examined the criteria applied to donated eggs and quantified the proportion that meet the high standards for safety and viability.

The study reviewed the multi‑step screening protocol that includes age limits, ovarian reserve testing, comprehensive genetic screening, and assessment of egg morphology and motility. While the exact percentage varies by cohort, the authors reported that fewer than one in ten donated eggs satisfy all the eligibility requirements. This low yield highlights the rigorous nature of the selection process, designed to minimize the risk of genetic abnormalities and to maximize the chances of successful fertilization and implantation.

These findings underscore the challenges faced by egg‑donation programs and may prompt a re‑evaluation of donor recruitment and screening strategies. By clarifying the bottlenecks in the selection pipeline, the research could help clinicians and policymakers optimize donor selection to improve outcomes for recipients and to ensure the continued safety and efficacy of assisted reproductive technologies.