Apple News In Conversation The dark side of the global human-egg trade
7 snips
Feb 6, 2025 Susan Berfield, a Senior investigative reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, and Natalie Obiko Pearson, a contributing reporter, delve into the dark underbelly of the global human-egg trade. They uncover shocking personal stories that highlight exploitation, particularly among vulnerable young women. The discussion reveals harrowing health risks, ethical dilemmas surrounding donation practices, and a largely unregulated market. Listeners learn about the emotional and financial complexities faced by those involved, prompting critical reflections on reproductive ethics and regulation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Maria's IVF Ordeal
- Maria, a Greek woman, tried IVF and successfully conceived.
- Years later, police revealed the clinic used double the eggs retrieved from her, creating embryos for another woman without consent.
Egg Scarcity
- Eggs are the most precious resource in fertility treatments, unlike easily obtainable sperm.
- This scarcity drives a global market, making eggs valuable and susceptible to exploitation.
Market Opacity
- The lack of transparency in the global egg market makes it difficult to track egg sourcing.
- Many countries lack fertility laws, making it hard to get a clear picture of the industry.