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IVF Egg Donation: Young Women
26 June 2025
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
Karin Smyth
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Word Count: 8139
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about ivf egg donation: young women in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The debate aims to highlight the need for regulation of IVF egg donation advertisements and ensure that all associated risks are clearly communicated to potential donors.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Adverts targeting young women for their eggs have increased significantly and are seen at various public places. There is no legal requirement to state health risks upfront, despite the invasive procedure required for egg retrieval. Clinics do not undertake long-term follow-up checks on donors' health, and there has been an increase in donations from economically deprived areas without understanding the potential side effects.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Congratulated the lead MP and highlighted the positive impact of IVF, including increased success rates. Mentioned a constituent's case where eligibility for treatment was denied due to her partner’s previous relationship.
Richard Johnson
Lab
Sleaford and North Hykeham
The shadow Minister, Dr Johnson, provided knowledge from her doctorship and outlined cases she has dealt with, highlighting issues through an example of one of her constituents.
Chichester
Acknowledges the value of IVF in easing fertility struggles but highlights concerns about risks and regulations. Supports full, informed consent for donors. Stressed that any changes to donation policies should ensure that women donate eggs willingly and not out of financial necessity. Also raised concerns about legal parenthood in surrogacy cases and proposed legislation for clarity on payments made by intended parents. The hon. Member for Chichester shared an example of the joy brought by having a child through IVF and discussed voluntary egg donation without financial obligations, also touching on surrogacy.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked the Government to commit to a long-term study into women's health outcomes and to review compensation for egg donation.
Jonathan Hinder
Lab
Pendle and Clitheroe
Asked whether payments to egg donors could be seen as compensation rather than altruism, questioning the purity of donations. Raises ethical concerns about companies making profit from egg donation. The hon. Member for Pendle and Clitheroe discussed compensation in egg donation and highlighted that when eggs are donated for financial reasons, it can lead to other issues.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Responded that there are no plans for a specific study on women's health but acknowledged the need for research. Discussed advertising regulations with the Advertising Standards Authority.
Mary Glindon
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Supports the debate's importance on women’s health. Asks about long-term research on donor health outcomes, impact of increased compensation for egg donation on demographic, and need for informed consent.
Tracy Gilbert
Lab
Edinburgh North and Leith
Concerned about the lack of risk disclosure in Scottish Government and NHS fertility centre adverts, highlighting disingenuous language used.
Government Response
Karin Smyth
The Minister for Secondary Care
Government Response
Acknowledges the importance of rules and regulations around egg donation, discusses long-term impact concerns, and mentions potential incentives offered to young women on low incomes. Acknowledged the importance of long-term health studies on women's health but stated no current plans. Addressed compensation increase due to inflation and mentioned advertising regulations governed by ASA with HFEA.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.