It refers to the use of eggs donated by another woman who acts as a ‘donor’ to assist an individual or couple who are the ‘recipient(s)’, in their attempt to become parents. In order to donate eggs, the donor must undertake treatment on an IVF cycle. The use of donor eggs is an option for women: unable to produce their own eggs, or when it has become clear that her eggs are of a poor quality and are unlikely to lead to the birth of a child.