Special Report: Uncovering Surrogacy and Baby Factories in Nigeria

One of the joys of parenthood is having children, and one method to achieve this is through surrogacy, which has become increasingly popular worldwide, including Nigeria. While surrogacy and other assisted reproductive services offer hope to intended parents, some fertility clinics, surrogate agents, and young women have turned it into a transactional affair and an avenue to earn income, sometimes illicitly.

In an attempt to uncover the illicit practices in the surrogacy industry in Nigeria, I assumed the role of a mother looking to be a surrogate and interacted with unsuspecting agents who promote their services online through social media platforms. During this undercover mission, I witnessed firsthand the risks faced by young women becoming surrogates or egg donors and the unethical practices employed by certain fertility clinics.

The Hidden World of Online Surrogacy Networks

Within the digital underground of this illicit industry, various Facebook groups cater to the surrogacy community. Some groups seek donors and surrogates, while others provide support systems for women considering surrogacy to address their fertility challenges.

To begin my journey, I created a new Facebook account with the name ‘Patience Chris’ in April 2023. Within the first two weeks, I posted content about food, my carefree attitude to life, and my desire to earn money at any cost.

I joined two groups, namely ‘Surrogate Mums in Nigeria’ (private) and ‘Egg Donor and Surrogate Mothers in Nigeria’ (public). In these groups, I encountered numerous advertisements and requests for surrogates and egg donors, offering tempting remuneration. Each ad specified certain requirements such as age, genotype, complexion, and location. Most requests also required surrogates to have prior childbirth experience.

The posts offered substantial payments ranging from 1 million to 1.5 million Naira for surrogates, excluding additional allowances for food, accommodation, and wardrobe, while egg donors were promised between 100,000 to 180,000 Naira, alongside transportation costs.

Next, I posted in the groups, expressing my willingness to be a surrogate currently residing in Lagos State, and made myself available to various ‘agents’ seeking surrogates in Lagos. Our conversations took place via private messages (DM).

Shortly after conversing with my ‘agent’ and receiving enticing promises, I was invited to a fertility clinic by the name of Nurse Oluchi. I was advised to visit the clinic while menstruating, without further explanation.

Infiltrating the World of Surrogacy Brokers

On May 20, 2023, I visited the clinic with two female friends to act as surrogates and egg donors, and also for some form of protection. The clinic seemed discreet without any signpost identifying it as a medical facility, which raised concerns.

Once inside, we encountered several young women between the ages of 17 to 25 waiting to be attended to. It was evident that many of them had taken up surrogacy as a way to earn money and survive. We overheard stories of their experiences and struggles, highlighting the desperation and vulnerability faced by these women.

Kingswill: Operating in Secrecy

During our time at the clinic, the name ‘Kingswill’ was mentioned, which led to further investigation. A search on the Corporate Affairs Commission’s website revealed Kingswill Specialist Hospital Limited as a registered but inactive private company. However, the hospital’s website, which offered IVF services, was later suspended due to non-renewal.

Kingswill Hospital lacked accreditation from the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), responsible for monitoring and ensuring the ethical standards of health facilities in Lagos State.

My Experience and the Need for Proper Regulation

My experience in the clinic exposed the lack of proper enlightenment for donors and the poor attitudes of medical personnel towards the surrogacy process. The emotional consequences faced by surrogates and egg donors were evident, and the absence of post-surrogacy care was concerning.

The legal provisions regarding surrogacy in Nigeria remain ambiguous, creating an opportunity for exploitation and illegal practices to thrive. Proper legislation is necessary to protect the rights of all parties involved and ensure ethical standards are upheld.

International practices and guidelines in countries where surrogacy is legalized focus on transparency, informed consent, and the protection of the surrogate’s physical and emotional well-being.

Adopting a Better Approach to Surrogacy

To improve the fertility sector in Nigeria, counseling for couples seeking alternative fertility options is crucial. Collaboration among key agencies and the government is essential to establish ethical practices and regulations in the fertility space. Transparent processes and enforcement of ethical standards can provide hope for couples without exploiting vulnerable women…CONTINUE READING HERE >>

[CULLED FROM SAHARAREPORTERS.COM]