When I was a freshman here at FMU, one of my professors made it a requirement to read the book, Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self. It is a book of short stories, and one short story piqued my interest. In this story, one of the young ladies donated her eggs to help a family that could not have children. She received thousands of dollars to do so and was able to pay for college. I thought that was interesting.

I researched donating eggs, not just focusing on the process, but the effects, too. A lot of couples try to attract college-age women to donate their eggs. Supposedly they’re more vibrant, healthier and their bodies can handle the hormone treatments.

I am interested in donating my eggs for the money. I graduate in 2016, and I know I will have to start paying off loans soon. Instead of going in to the military or working at BiLo all the time, I want to donate my eggs. I know you’re probably thinking, “Katrina, that’s selfish.” Maybe it is, but at least I could help a family, and receive money for it, which would help me pay off loans a little quicker.

I have done the research and donating eggs makes me a little apprehensive. Even though I could make anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000, there is extra work to be done.

I have to have a physical. This process can take anywhere from six months to one year. I will not be able to have sex in that time frame, and I will have to inject myself with those hormone treatments. I will have to take hormone treatments that will increase how many eggs I make. Instead of just one, my body will make up to ten.

The issue with this is that I could develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Hyperstimulation syndrome is when there is a buildup of fluid in my belly and chest, which can make my ovaries swollen. Research says I may gain weight.

Donating eggs rarely decreases fertility in the future, so I will still be able to have kids. But, my best friend put the question in my mind, “What if I can’t have kids in the future?” It may cause a rift between my future husband and me. He may get upset that I donated eggs to help a family. Now we will have to find a college girl to donate her eggs to us. That’s an interesting cycle.

What if I’m not healthy enough? I am not the healthiest or fittest girl on campus. Diabetes runs in my family and so does high blood pressure. I may get turned away.

I am into getting the money, but my best friend asked me, “How do you feel about having a child out in the world that does not know you?” My boss asked me, “How do you know if your child will be treated right?”

These are all good questions. I need to step back, and think about this and pray over it. Many people believe this is equivalent to pimping out college women, but I just believe it benefits the donor and the receivers.  I have not made my decision yet, but time will tell.