Legal issues

Donors should be extensively counseled regarding the risks of hyperstimulation of the ovaries and egg retrieval. These risks include bleeding, infection and complications associated with anesthesia.

Discussing the possible association between ovarian neoplasia (cancer) and the use of infertility drugs is also a good idea.

Recipient couples should understand the legal issues applicable to third party parenting, which may be defined by statutory law. Although obtaining legal counsel is not obligatory, hiring an attorney may be helpful, especially in complicated cases, such as those involving gestational carriers, surrogacy and known donors. The liability for donor injury, and excess medical expenses and coverage should also be discussed with both the recipient and the donor.