Short answer. Can an egg donor travel from another city? Yes. A donor who lives in another city can travel to our clinic for her cycle. Her documented expenses, such as travel (for example fares), stay, local travel and food, can be reimbursed. Government of India clarifications allow reimbursement only when no monetary gain results (Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Department of Health Research), File No. I.11019/39/2022-HR dated 15 Nov 2022, Q11 to 14; File No. I.11019/46/2022-HR dated 25 Nov 2022, Q3 to 5).
Can a donor come from a different city?
Yes. The Act sets the donor’s age, not her city. A donor must be 23 to 35 years old (Act s.27(2)(b)) and may donate only once in her life (Act s.27(4)). She is screened and registered by a registered ART Bank (Act s.27(1)). Surgical retrieval takes place at a Level 2 ART clinic (Rules r.3(1)(ii)(a)). If the clinic is in another city, she travels there.
Every donor must give an Aadhaar number (Act s.27(6)). Our post “Can a foreigner donate eggs in India?” explains this.
What expenses can be reimbursed
Documented expenses can be reimbursed by the commissioning couple or woman, as long as no monetary gain results. For a donor who travels, this covers:
- Fares for the journey to the clinic.
- Stay near the clinic.
- Local travel.
- Food.
The clarifications set no ceiling and no time limit. Keep tickets, bills and receipts, because reimbursement follows what the donor actually spent.
What it never includes
Egg donation for commercial gain is not allowed. A donor is not given a fee for her eggs, and selling gametes is an offence (Act s.33(1)(b)). Reimbursement must not leave her with a profit. Our post on reimbursement and no monetary gain explains the rule in full.
Insurance and safety
The commissioning couple or woman buys 12 months of insurance for the donor against complications of retrieval (Act s.22(1)(b); Rules r.12). The donor does not pay for it.
Use the bank, never an agent
Using an agent or middleman to obtain a donor is an offence (Act s.33(1)(g)). A donor who is willing to travel should apply directly through the registered ART Bank.
Become a donor · Check my eligibility · Read the full law guide
Questions
Can an egg donor travel from another city?
Yes. She can travel to the clinic for her cycle. Her age, once in a lifetime donation and screening rules stay the same (Act s.27).
Which travel expenses can be reimbursed?
Documented travel, stay, local travel and food, as long as no monetary gain results (File No. I.11019/39/2022-HR Q11 to 14; File No. I.11019/46/2022-HR Q3 to 5).
Is there a limit on what is reimbursed?
The clarifications prescribe no ceiling or time limit, but only documented expenses count and no monetary gain may result.
Does the donor pay for her insurance?
No. The commissioning couple or woman buys 12 months of cover for her (Act s.22(1)(b); Rules r.12).
References
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 (Act No. 42 of 2021): section 22(1)(b); section 27(1), (2)(b), (4) and (6); section 33(1)(b) and (g).
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Rules, 2022 (G.S.R. 419(E)): rules 3(1)(ii)(a) and 12.
- Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Department of Health Research): File No. I.11019/39/2022-HR dated 15 Nov 2022; File No. I.11019/46/2022-HR dated 25 Nov 2022.
This page explains the law as published. It is not legal advice.
