Eggs between women—emotional aspects of gamete donation in reproductive technology

Abstract

This paper explores some reactions to the extraordinary gift of eggs between women. Based on extensive clinical experience in the field of reproduction, the author's ideas are illustrated here by verbatim material from an egg recipient. The recipient's conscious reactions and fantasies are structured by the desperate need / wish / desire to be 'hospitable' to this offer despite the enormity of forfeit, exacerbated by pressures of the inexorable 'biological clock' and unavailability of anonymous donors.