During the process of egg donation the eggs from the ovaries of a woman with normally functioning ovaries are retrieved. These donated eggs are then fertilized in a laboratory setting (in vitro fertilization) with sperm from the egg recipient's partner. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus of the woman desiring a baby. If pregnancy is established, the egg recipient becomes the gestational mother and experiences the joy of pregnancy and childbirth.

The primary benefit to women who donate eggs is the altruistic aspect of helping another woman or couple achieve pregnancy.