HOUSE OF REPS TO STOP UNETHICAL EGG PROCUREMENT AND SURROGACY BY HOSPITALS 26-09-23
By Sadiq Aminu The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Health Institutions to investigate cases of unethical and exploitative practices in egg procurement and surrogacy by fertility hospitals and clinics in Nigeria
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the urgent need to curb the practice, by a member from Lagos State Mr Babajimi Benson, at plenary.
The Lawmaker stated that the utilization of Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) and referrals to fertility centres has witnessed a notable surge in Nigeria, especially since the advent of the new millennium.
He expressed concern that women undergo surgical egg retrieval, relinquishing control over the eggs obtained betweenN100,000 to N150,000 per retrieval, with five to six eggs extracted per month.
Mr Benson said the fertility industry has emerged as a thriving industry estimated to be worth one billion dollars, with private and public hospitals across the country engaged in the practice.
According to him, the fertility centres have capitalized on the absence of a suitable regulatory framework to exploit donors and potentially engage in the trade of donated eggs.
Benson warned that if the trend is not urgently checked, it will lead to an increase in cases of infertility and cancer infections among young donors and surrogates as well as promoting exploitative practices.
The committee was given four weeks to report back for further legislative action.