India's Black Market: Women Sell Eggs for Survival

An estimated dozens of women in India are involved in an illegal black market for human eggs, with some estimating they have harvested their eggs over 30 times. These women, seeking financial survival, undergo hormone injections and egg retrieval procedures for payments ranging from $280 to $800. This clandestine trade has emerged following India's 2021 fertility laws, which restricted donations to once per woman, inadvertently creating a supply shortage amidst rising demand.

Experts suggest these regulations, while well-intentioned, have led to unintended consequences, fostering a thriving illegal market. Intermediaries and agents facilitate these transactions, often through informal networks and social media, while clinics may claim they are only paying for recruitment. This practice poses significant risks, as evidenced by a case where a 13-year-old girl was reportedly lured into selling her eggs, highlighting the vulnerability of minors in this unregulated environment.

The lack of central registration in India makes it difficult to track how many times a woman has donated eggs, increasing the risk of exploitation and complications. Some women, like 'H', experience severe health issues due to overstimulation, with potential fatal outcomes. Legal experts advocate for regulated compensation and contracts in favor of egg donors to curb the black market and ensure fair treatment.