in a novel, if the last heir had to have the most children she could have to save the world, how many children could she have , if she donated her eggs for a couple years or 10 or 20 years.

In a fictional narrative, the concept of a last heir needing to maximize her progeny through egg donation presents an intriguing scenario. The number of children that could be conceived through egg donation depends on several factors, including the regulations surrounding egg donation, the age and health of the donor, and the frequency of donation cycles. Below, we delve into how these factors play out over various timeframes, particularly spanning 2, 10, and 20 years.

Egg Donation: Key Considerations

Donation Regulations

Different countries have varying regulations on egg donation. In the United States, for example, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) typically recommends that women should not donate more than 6 times in their lifetime to minimize health risks and ensure the welfare of both the donor and child conceived (ASRM). In the UK, the HFE Act restricts donations to a maximum of 10 families from a single donor, ensuring a limited number of half-siblings (PMC).

Cycle Frequency

On average, an egg donation cycle can be completed in about 6 to 8 weeks, and donors can typically donate several times a year. Many clinics suggest that donors might safely undergo up to 4-6 cycles per year, depending on health evaluations and personal circumstances (Cofertility).

Maximum Children Calculation

For a Couple of Years

Assuming a full commitment and adherence to a regulated norm of 6 cycles per year over 2 years:

• Total Cycles: 6 cycles/year × 2 years = 12 cycles
• If we assume that each cycle produces an average of 2-3 viable pregnancies (the answer varies as not all donations result in pregnancy, yet a higher range can be considered due to the theme of maximizing offspring in the story):
  • Children: 12 cycles × 2.5 (average) = 30 children (approximately).

Over 10 Years

Extending this scenario to a 10-year period with the same cycle frequency:

• Total Cycles: 6 cycles/year × 10 years = 60 cycles
• Applying the same assumption regarding pregnancies:
  • Children: 60 cycles × 2.5 (average) = 150 children (approximately).

Over 20 Years

If we push forward to 20 years, still adhering to the maximum 6 cycles per year:

• Total Cycles: 6 cycles/year × 20 years = 120 cycles
• With the same pregnancy output assumption:
  • Children: 120 cycles × 2.5 (average) = 300 children (approximately).

Conclusion

In this novel scenario, the last heir has the potential to conceive an astonishingly large number of children through egg donation. Over a couple of years, she could realistically aim for about 30 children, while a commitment spanning 10 years could yield around 150 children, and an extensive 20-year effort might result in approximately 300 children.

Such figures, while exaggerated for narrative effect, reflect the broader implications of fertility, reproductive technologies, and ethical considerations surrounding egg donation, making for a compelling backdrop in any story about lineage and survival. This thematic construct can drive home the urgency and sacrifice posed by the last heir’s mission to save the world.