The amount of money paid to egg donors in “reasonable expenses” could be putting women off, according to the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Currently, there is a £250 cap on the amount of money donors can receive in compensation for loss of earnings and expenses connected with the donation.

With cases of infertility increasing and the need for donor eggs on the rise, the HFEA has suggested more money could help meet this demand.

“We know that many people are facing long waiting lists at clinics because of a shortage of donors. We want to ensure that we have the best policies in place so that there are no unnecessary barriers in the way of those wishing to donate while protecting those who are born as a result of donation,” said Professor Lisa Jardine, from the HFEA.

However, others have voiced concerns that involving higher sums of money would attract donors for purely financial reasons. “If it happens,” explained Tony Rutherford, chairman of the British Fertility Society, “I think there’s a real danger that we would lose the altruistic reasons for donation.”

The HFEA is currently reviewing the policy on financing donations.