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Code of Ethics (2009)
Disclaimer: Please note the codes in our collection might not necessarily be the most recent versions. Please contact the individual organizations or their websites to verify if a more recent or updated code of ethics is available. CSEP does not hold copyright on any of the codes of ethics in our collection. Any permission to use the codes must be sought from the individual organizations directly.
Code of Ethics
ARR has a strong commitment to all the parties who help couples or individuals achieve their dream of parenthood. We believe that egg donors, gestational surrogates and prospective parents should be treated with respect, candor and the highest degree of ethics.
Compensation for egg donors and surrogates
Following the guidelines of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as they relate to egg donation, ARR compensates egg donors and gestational surrogates for their time, effort and inconvenience. We feel strongly that each donor’s effort is equally valuable. That is why we do not offer different levels of compensation for so-called “premium” donors or attempt circumvent the ASRM guidelines by offering gifts or special perks.
Screening
We spend considerable time with egg donors and gestational surrogates to ensure they understand the amount of time and effort that is required of this commitment. Donors and gestational surrogates both receive psychological screening and counseling and legal representation by independent professionals. By the time they are presented to the prospective parents, they have been educated about the intricacies of the process by ARR and the psychologist.
Advertising
When advertising to donors, gestational surrogates or prospective parents, ARR does not promote unrealistic expectations or make false promises.
Disclosure
Egg donors, gestational surrogates and prospective parents have a right to all relevant medical and health information that ARR has in its files as long as it does not violate the privacy of another party.
Egg donor issues
ARR places a high priority on protecting donor anonymity. While prospective parents are provided with an approximately 32-page document detailing the donor’s medical history, genetic background, lifestyle and personal interests, her name is withheld to protect her identity. We make a commitment to the donor that her information will not be displayed on our website for all to see. Intended parents should given the option to exclusively review a donor profile, alleviating their fear that that another couple may choose the donor in the time it takes to make an informed decision.
Gestational surrogacy issues
We believe gestational surrogates and prospective parents have a right to meet before agreeing to work together. We are committed to facilitating the relationship between these parties. Accordingly, we work hard to establish the relationship between the parties before the embryo transfer so that all of the parties have a positive experience. We also provide gestational surrogates and intended parents with separate advocates to ensure that all parties’ needs are met to the fullest extent possible.
