Startup Has Offered Free Egg Freezing for Donors
A new program allows women aged 21 to 33 to freeze their eggs for free in exchange for donating half of the retrieval.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Pregnancy
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The Los Angeles-based startup Cofertility has launched a model offering women free egg freezing and storage for up to ten years. In exchange, participants must donate half of their retrieved eggs to families experiencing pregnancy challenges.
Why it matters
This program aims to expand financial access to egg freezing by offsetting the high costs of the procedure for eligible donors. It provides an alternative for individuals who wish to preserve their own fertility but could not otherwise afford the medical expenses.
The program accepts applicants between 21 and 33 years old with a BMI under 30 who do not smoke or use drugs. Cofertility provides free storage for 10 years, contingent upon the donor providing half of their retrieved eggs to another family.
The players
Cofertility
A Los Angeles-based fertility startup that manages egg sharing and storage programs for intended parents and donors.
The details
The program functions through an egg-sharing model where donors undergo standard retrieval processes. In one specific structure, eggs from a donor's first cycle are sold to intended parents, while the donor retains the eggs from a second retrieval for their own future use. Applicants must possess both ovaries to qualify, ensuring the physiological requirements for successful egg stimulation are met.
Timeline
September 2026: A WIRED report was published questioning the implications of the egg sharing model.
Health Landscape
This model represents a departure from the traditional commercial egg donor compensation model by integrating egg preservation as a primary service for the donor. It alters the landscape of fertility access in the United States by creating new pathways for both donors and recipients.
Women considering this path should discuss the medical risks of egg retrieval and the legal implications of egg donation with a reproductive endocrinologist. It is essential to understand the long-term storage agreements and the potential impact of donor status on future family planning.
The takeaway
Egg sharing models offer a way to manage the high costs of fertility services while supporting other families. Potential participants should thoroughly vet any clinic or program and have a frank conversation with their own physician regarding the physical demands of hormone stimulation.
Further reading
Learn more about the current Pregnancy landscape and considerations for fertility preservation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inc..
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