Underground Market Thrives: Eggs, Sperm, and Wombs for Sale in Iran’s Reproductive Black Market

In recent investigations, reports have surfaced detailing a widespread network of online brokers facilitating the trade of reproductive materials, including eggs, sperm, embryos, and surrogacy services in Iran. This alarming trend highlights the lack of a comprehensive legal framework governing the donation of reproductive cells, enabling such transactions to thrive unchecked. The Iranian newspaper Ham-Mihan delves into how these transactions are covertly advertised through coded language on popular platforms like Divar, Instagram, and Telegram.

The investigation reveals that these advertisements primarily target young adults aged 18 to 31, with prices varying significantly. The lack of regulations surrounding surrogacy and reproductive donations has created a lucrative market for brokers, some of whom collaborate directly with medical professionals.

Surrogacy Costs and Requirements

According to Ham-Mihan, the cost of surrogacy in Iran ranges between 3 to 4 billion rials (approximately $3,750 to $5,000). Additionally, intended parents are required to pay around 90 million rials (less than $110) monthly to the surrogate until the delivery occurs. A report from Tejarat News in May indicated that surrogacy costs could actually range from 4 to 9 billion rials (roughly $5,000 to $11,000).

Key requirements for potential donors include:

• Provision of a physician-certified ultrasound confirming the size and reserve of each ovary.
• A certified copy of the national identity card obtained through an authorized notary public.
• Written spousal consent for married donors; unmarried donors must present a divorce or death certificate.
• A psychiatric evaluation for all donors.

According to Zahra Ahmadi, director of social work at the Royan Infertility Treatment Center, the brokers profit significantly from this unregulated market. She emphasized that potential donors can circumvent these intermediaries by directly contacting the Royan Center for anonymous donations, thereby establishing a direct line of communication with the facility rather than individual recipients. Direct egg donors at the Royan Center receive 160 million rials (approximately $200) per donation under a formal contract.

Connections to Organ Trade

The Ham-Mihan report further connects the burgeoning trade in reproductive materials to a broader and disturbing trend of organ selling in Iran, which has seen a sharp increase in recent years. This trade has reportedly extended beyond Iran’s borders, involving buyers from neighboring countries.

In June 2023, Hossein Biglari, head of the Kermanshah Kidney Patients Support Association, disclosed that kidneys were being sold in the province for negotiated prices around 2.5 billion rials (roughly $3,000 at current exchange rates).

Iranian media reports over the last two years have documented an alarming rise in advertisements for various organ transplants, including liver, bone marrow, and cornea transplants, alongside public offers for sperm and egg donations. Some advertisements even shockingly propose the sale of hearts.

Facilitation of Organ Sales

In May 2023, the Jahan-e-Sanat daily revealed that certain brokers are facilitating organ sales across borders, particularly to countries like the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Iraq, with prices reaching up to $15,000 for sellers.

This disturbing trend raises serious ethical and legal questions regarding the regulation of reproductive and organ donations in Iran. As the market for both reproductive materials and organs continues to expand in the absence of a clear legal framework, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to protect individuals and ensure ethical practices in these sensitive areas.

In summary, the ongoing investigations by Ham-Mihan reveal a troubling landscape where a lack of regulation has allowed brokers to exploit vulnerable individuals in search of reproductive services. As the issue gains more visibility, it is crucial for authorities to address these concerns and implement necessary regulations to safeguard the rights and health of all parties involved.