FCT women divided on commercial surrogacy

A cross-section of women in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has expressed diverse views on commercial surrogacy. While some women disapprove of being a surrogate mother for a fee, others view it as a sacrifice to assist couples facing fertility challenges. Women who oppose commercial surrogacy told the News Agency […]

A cross-section of women in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has expressed diverse views on commercial surrogacy. While some women disapprove of being a surrogate mother for a fee, others view it as a sacrifice to assist couples facing fertility challenges.

Women who oppose commercial surrogacy told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that their stance is shaped by a complex mix of cultural, religious, economic, and ethical factors.

Mrs. Kemi Olagunji, a midwife and mother of two, stated that she could not be a surrogate mother at any price because she considers it morally questionable and unnatural. According to her, there’s a strong tie between motherhood and a woman’s identity and social status. As such, the idea of handing over a child for money after birth is unacceptable.

She noted that unless surrogacy is practiced within a family, as a sacrifice where money is not involved, the surrogate mother may suffer societal judgment.

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“In this part of the world, surrogacy may be associated with loss of dignity or shame, promiscuity, or child-selling, especially in rural areas where traditional values are strong,” she explained. “So, unless you are doing it for a family member, where money is not involved but pure sacrifice for someone who cannot conceive, there’s always that stigma.”

Olagunji also highlighted that in economically deprived rural communities, women might consider surrogacy out of desperation rather than choice, with promises of payment ranging from N500,000 to N2 million or more. She cautioned that while such money could be life-changing for the surrogate, it sometimes leads to exploitation, especially when intermediaries or illegal “baby factories” are involved, and therefore, should not be encouraged.

Similarly, Miss Millicent Terna, a resident, said she could not bear giving up a child after carrying it for nine months and enduring the pain of childbirth, regardless of the amount offered. She stated that while it might be common in foreign countries, it is perceived differently in most Nigerian rural communities due to religious beliefs.

According to Terna, some religious leaders frown upon commercial surrogacy because it involves payment. She added that couples can become so desperate to have a child that they become impatient and commercialize the process. (NAN)

“Some even perceive it as sinful or akin to adultery, especially in cases where a woman has to sleep with someone’s husband to conceive and be paid for it,” she said. “Though nowadays, it mostly involves donor sperm or eggs, I know myself, I cannot do it.”

Mrs. Joy Thomas, a widow, simply stated: “It is not something a married woman should do; who will respect you after that?” She added, “But I hear young girls do it in the city and get paid, but you can’t talk about it. If it will feed my children, I will do it quietly, but nobody will know about it.”

However, Mrs. Chizoba Emmanuel, a resident and a teacher, believes the practice is harmless as long as the individuals involved reach a clear understanding and adhere to their agreements.

According to Emmanuel, many rural women lack a complete understanding of what surrogacy entails medically, legally, or emotionally. She suggested that although it may be perceived negatively due to cultural and religious beliefs, advocacy and proper awareness about the practice should be encouraged.

 

“While economic hardship can push some women to consider it, the decision is usually fraught with fear, secrecy, and potential social consequences,” she noted. “If there’s improvement in its education, regulation, and awareness, it can help shift perceptions over time, but significant cultural and moral hurdles remain.”

Emmanuel added that without a comprehensive legal framework for surrogacy, many women who practice it would remain vulnerable to exploitation or abandonment. (NAN)