In this piece, HENRIETTA GONZUK examines the rising acceptance of surrogacy in Nigeria, a practice that offers hope to countless families battling infertility yet remains entangled in cultural sensitivities and legal uncertainty. Drawing on expert opinions, personal testimonies and real experiences from across the country, she highlights the opportunities surrogacy provides, the risks many intending parents and surrogate mothers face and the urgent need for clear regulation as the practice becomes more common, including in Plateau State
Surrogacy has become a growing phenomenon in Nigeria, attracting attention from celebrities like Ini Edo, Nancy Umeh, Abiola Adebayo and Chimamanda, who have used surrogates to build their families.
Yet, the practice remains controversial, surrounded by cultural, religious and legal complexities. While surrogacy offers a pathway to parenthood for couples struggling with infertility, it also presents health, social, emotional and legal challenges that require urgent attention.
Types, awareness
In simple terms, surrogacy involves a woman carrying a pregnancy on behalf of an individual or couple who cannot conceive for medical or social reasons. Dr. Sunday Olarenwaju Ewe of Mother and Child Hospital, Lagos, notes that surrogacy gives couples a real chance to have a biological child when natural pregnancy isn’t possible.
There are two main types of surrogacy:
Gestational surrogacy: The mother carries an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donor’s egg and sperm. Dr. Abayomi Ajayi adds that gestational surrogacy is relatively affordable in Nigeria, allowing families in Plateau State to access it without travelling abroad.
Traditional surrogacy: The surrogate mother uses her own eggs to conceive, often through artificial insemination. In this case, the surrogate is the biological mother of the child.
Surrogacy in Nigeria has gained more awareness, gradually reducing stigma. In a society guided by cultural and moral values, infertility was long considered a taboo, thus discouraging couples from seeking solutions. Increased public awareness has helped make surrogacy less shameful and more accessible, inspiring women battling infertility to pursue parenthood.
Notable examples include Nike Oshinowo, ex-Miss Nigeria, who welcomed twins via gestational surrogate in the United States at the age of 47, challenging societal norms about the timing of motherhood. However, not all experiences are positive.
Mrs. Joy Igoha of Rayfield recounted that her traditional surrogacy journey was stressful, as the surrogate attempted to refuse handing over the baby despite agreements and payments. Legal agreements and family witnesses were crucial in safeguarding the process.
Challenges of surrogacy in Nigeria
Despite its benefits, surrogacy in Nigeria faces several hurdles. Legally, there is no specific legislation regulating surrogacy, leaving arrangements vulnerable to disputes and exploitation. Femi Oyerinde, a legal practitioner in Jos, warns that surrogacy conducted without clear legal guidelines exposes surrogate mothers, intended parents and children to risk.
Other challenges include:
Health risks: Surrogate mothers may face medical complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth if proper arrangements or compensation are not provided.
Social stigma: Cultural perceptions in Nigeria often label surrogacy as unusual, affecting the emotional wellbeing of surrogates.
Financial costs: Fertility treatments and compensation plans can be expensive, creating barriers for many families.
Emotional and psychological challenges: Surrogates may form attachments to the child, making it difficult to relinquish the baby, potentially resulting in psychological trauma, as noted by psychologist, Milicent Uchana of Mercy Mental Health Clinic, Kaduna.
Role of govt, regulation
Experts agree that government intervention is essential to mitigate these challenges. Legal frameworks should regulate surrogacy, protect surrogate mothers’ rights and clarify parental responsibilities. Regulatory bodies could set standards for clinics and agencies, ensure informed consent and monitor agreements.
Additionally, public awareness campaigns can reduce stigma and educate citizens on the benefits and risks of surrogacy. Fair compensation, medical care and social support for surrogate mothers must be prioritised to ensure ethical practices.
In conclusion, surrogacy offers hope to many couples struggling with infertility. Yet, the absence of clear legislation and health safeguards introduces risks for surrogates and intended parents alike. For those considering surrogacy in Plateau State, it is crucial to work with reputable clinics and secure solid legal agreements to protect all parties involved.