Short answer. This egg donor eligibility checklist covers the egg donor requirements in India. A donor must be 23 to 35 years old (Act s.27(2)(b)), may donate only once in her life (s.27(4)), must pass health tests, must give written informed consent, and is insured for 12 months. Marital status and children are not conditions.
Your egg donor eligibility checklist
Tick each point. If you can tick all of them, you may be eligible.
- I am 23 to 35 years old.
- I have never donated eggs before.
- I am willing to be tested for infections.
- I have my Aadhaar and can give my address.
- I am ready to give written informed consent after the team explains the process.
- I understand I will give up all parental rights over any child born from my eggs.
Passing this list is the start. The bank still screens every applicant.
Age and the once in a lifetime rule
The age band is 23 to 35 years (Act s.27(2)(b)). A woman may donate only once in her life (Act s.27(4)). Only a registered ART Bank, registered as an independent entity, may screen donors and supply them (Act s.27(1)). Our post Egg donation age limit in India explains this in more detail.
Marital status and children
Neither is a condition. Section 27 sets age, not marital status or children. The Government of India has clarified that any woman may donate, subject to the Act and Rules (Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Department of Health Research), File No. I.11019/51/2022-HR dated 29 Nov 2022, Q3). Read Can an unmarried woman donate eggs in India? for the full explanation.
Health tests
The donor is tested for HIV 1 and 2, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis (Act s.21(b); Rules r.10 and r.14). The doctors may ask for other checks too. Your Egg Donor India contact will tell you which ones apply.
Documents: Aadhaar and records
The bank must record your name, Aadhaar and address, and take a written confidentiality undertaking from you (Act s.27(6); Rules r.15). Keep your Aadhaar ready.
Consent
You give written informed consent in Form 13 (Act s.22(1)(a); Rules r.13). You also understand that you give up all parental rights, and that the child is the legal child of the commissioning couple (Act s.31(1) and (2)). Your information is kept confidential, with the limited exceptions in Act s.21(e).
Insurance
You are insured for 12 months against complications of egg retrieval. The commissioning couple or woman buys this cover from an IRDA recognised insurer. You do not pay for it (Act s.22(1)(b); Rules r.12).
What this list does not include
There is no fee for donating. Egg donation for commercial gain is not allowed, and documented expenses may be reimbursed with no monetary gain. See our post Are egg donors paid in India?.
Zoi Fertility is the registered ART Bank behind the Egg Donor India programme (URN MH/AB/2022/10691/Mumbai/83). Try our short eligibility check to see where you stand.
Become a donor · Read the full law guide
Questions
What are the egg donor requirements in India?
Age 23 to 35, once in a lifetime, health tests, Aadhaar and address on record, written consent and 12 months of insurance (Act s.27(2)(b), s.27(4), s.27(6), s.22(1); Rules r.12).
Which health tests does an egg donor need?
HIV 1 and 2, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis (Act s.21(b); Rules r.10 and r.14).
Do I need to be married or have a child to donate?
No. The Act sets age only, and the Government clarification confirms any woman in the age band may donate (File No. I.11019/51/2022-HR dated 29 Nov 2022, Q3).
Who pays for the donor’s insurance?
The commissioning couple or woman buys 12 months of cover for the donor (Act s.22(1)(b); Rules r.12).
References
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 (Act No. 42 of 2021): section 21(b) and 21(e); section 22(1); section 27(1) to (4) and (6); section 31(1) and (2).
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Rules, 2022 (G.S.R. 419(E)): rules 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15.
- Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Department of Health Research): File No. I.11019/51/2022-HR dated 29 Nov 2022.
This page explains the law as published. It is not legal advice.
