Question
What does Jewish Law say about egg donation?
Answer
Rabbinical views differ on the legal implications of using a donor egg. Assuming that the process is permissible, most authorities would probably agree that a non-Jewish egg is preferable, but opinions differ as to whether the child requires conversion when it is born. [This assumes that the egg is fertilized with the husband’s sperm and is implanted in the wife’s womb; if donor sperm or a host mother are involved, the situation is more complicated.] Decisions about such matters should be made only after consultation with a Rabbi who is knowledgeable about the subject and familiar with the case at hand, since the practical law may depend on factors specific to the situation.