Using a Donor Egg Bank - FAQs

All patients participating in third-party reproduction must consult with a psychologist. The psychologist's role is to provide support throughout the decision-making process, ensuring you are well-prepared for the journey ahead. They can also assist you in navigating the donor selection process. Following your initial appointment at the MUHC Reproductive Centre, we invite you to schedule a session with a psychologist who specializes in third-party reproduction.

Although donor eggs can come from a known donor such as a friend or a relative who is willing to make an altruistic donation, eggs can also be obtained from an egg bank, eliminating the need to search or wait for an egg donor.

The cost of donor eggs from a bank is not covered by Quebec Medicare; however, the IVF treatment involving donor eggs (Frozen Oocyte (egg) Replacement Cycle (FORC) with egg donation) may be covered by the RAMQ if you are eligible. Visit Medically Assisted Reproduction Program on Quebec.ca for more information.

CAN-AM, the Canadian distributor of donor eggs provides different options to choose from. Visit www.canamcryo.com to compare fees and options from different egg banks. Note: pricing does not include the cost of the IVF treatment.

Storage fees will apply if a treatment is paused or canceled for non-medical reasons. See our price list for the cost of storage.

Patients are responsible for every step of the ordering process.

Eggs must be ordered from donor banks that are in compliance with Health Canada regulations. CAN-AM is a Canadian distributor of donor eggs that can help you navigate the process of selecting donor eggs.  Visit their website www.canamcryo.com or call 1-888-245-3471 for more information.

First, you must complete all the required tests, consult with a reproductive health psychologist and have a follow-up visit with the physician to review the results and confirm the IVF treatment using egg donation.

Your order should be placed at least 3 weeks before the start of your treatment.

Once the donor type (ID or Non-ID donor) is selected, then other non-essential factors may be considered:

• Blood group
• Physical traits (height, weight, build, hair color, eye color)

Open ID release means that the donor agrees to reveal her identity once the offspring reaches 18 years old*. At the time of donation, the donor signs a consent form. Access to donor information is exclusively granted to the offspring upon registration at the egg bank.

Anonymous donor means that the donor opts not to reveal her identity to the offspring, and their anonymity is safeguarded by the bank. No access to donor identification is permitted. Nevertheless, with the growing accessibility of DNA testing services (e.g. 23andMe) the absolute anonymity of donors may become questionable in the future. 

*As per Quebec law (Bill 12, 542.1) ‘A person born of procreation involving the contribution of a third person, including one under 14 years of age who has obtained the approval of his father and mother, of his parents or of his tutor, has the right to obtain (…) the name of the third person, the information concerning the third person’s profile determined by government regulation and, unless a contact veto bars its disclosure, the information making contact with the third person possible.’

Visit Quebec.ca for more information on the right to know one's origins in assisted procreation involving a third person.

The fertility specialist will not examine or provide guidance on the donor's genetic report. It falls upon you to seek a referral to a genetic counselor (bearing in mind the typically lengthy waiting period in the public system) or opt for a private genetic counselor if you desire a thorough review of your donor's information.

No. You are responsible for confirming that the eggs have arrived at our Centre. You will need to contact the Embryology Lab at 514-934-1934 ext. 36825, one week before the scheduled treatment.

MUHC Reproductive Centre
888 Blvd. de Maisonneuve East
Suite 200
Montreal, QC H2L 4S8