The New York State Task Force on Life and the Law was created in 1985 to develop public policy on issues arising from medical advances. The Task Force includes leaders in the fields of law, medicine, nursing, philosophy, consumer rights, religion and ethics.

In 1998, after extensive research and interviews with people involved in fertility treatment, the Task Force found that egg donors frequently are not adequately informed about the process. The Task Force received a grant from the Ford Foundation to create a model process and form for obtaining informed consent, and this guidebook for egg donors.

This guidebook was prepared by the Task Force's Advisory Group on Assisted Reproductive Technologies. The Group included infertility specialists, consumers, ethicists, Task Force members, and representatives of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. In addition, egg donors shared their experiences with the Group and Task Force staff.