Egg donation in Europe - Going abroad for a baby | DW Documentary

For some women, getting pregnant is only possible through egg donation. It’s a pathway to parenthood with children who aren’t biologically their own. While egg donation is legal in many countries, it’s banned in places like Switzerland and Germany.

When Sandra Cesna from Switzerland held the first positive pregnancy test in her hands, it was like a dream come true. With medical assistance, she and her husband will be able to have children. The egg came from a donor in Finland.
Since egg donation is prohibited in Switzerland and Germany, many women travel abroad to countries like Spain or Czechia, where donors are readily available. However, in these countries, donations are strictly anonymous, meaning the child will never know their genetic mother. In contrast, Finland offers a more open approach: Sandra Cesna’s child will have the option to contact the donor upon turning 18, if they wish to.
This film takes a compassionate look at the impact of this medical dilemma and the laws that often make little sense to the people who are affected by them. Why is sperm donation allowed in so many places, but not egg donation? Why do donors in so many places have to remain anonymous, even though it could cause emotional problems for the children? The film also shows that with an empathetic approach, it’s possible to avoid trauma and help children and families navigate this complicated journey.

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