10 More Winners in the Recession
Agencies nationwide say they're getting more sperm and egg donations from the cash-strapped and fertile. At Egg Donation Inc., donor applications are up 10 to 15 percent from last year. "People want to talk about this as such an altruistic industry—but really, give me a break," says program administrator Lyne Macklin-Fife, noting that compensation is $6,000 for a first-time donor. On the other side, despite costing a hopeful mother about $35,000 for just one shot at the procedure, business has stayed steady, she says. That's also true at California Cryobank, the world's largest sperm bank, where it can cost $2,000 for sperm for a successful pregnancy. "It's never a good financial decision to have a family," says spokesman Scott Brown. "When people are ready, they're ready"—recession or not.
The recession is hurting many families and companies across the country, but there are a few bright spots. Who do you think is a recession winner? And who are the biggest recession losers?