The Nigerian House of Representatives is taking a firm stance on reproductive ethics with a new bill that seeks to ban commercial surrogacy while laying down a legal path for altruistic alternatives.
The bill, titled A Bill for an Act to Protect the Health and Well-being of Women, Particularly in Relation to Surrogacy and for Related Matters, introduced by Anambra lawmaker Uchenna Okonkwo, seeks to prevent the growing trend of profit-driven surrogacy arrangements in the country. According to him, the proposed law prioritises the protection of women’s health and dignity in assisted reproductive roles.
Under the new framework, surrogacy would be permitted only when carried out without financial incentives beyond necessary medical and pregnancy-related expenses. The legislation also mandates that all parties, surrogate mothers, intended parents, and medical professionals, adhere to ethical and transparent processes.
“This is not just a reproductive health issue. It’s a human rights issue,” Okonkwo said during the bill’s presentation. “No woman should be treated as a commodity, and no child should be a product of profit.”
The draft bill proposes a fine of up to ₦2 million or a maximum two-year jail term for individuals or organisations involved in commercial surrogacy, coercion, or any breach of the approved altruistic guidelines.
Key provisions include mandatory counselling for all parties, the requirement that surrogate mothers be at least 21 years old, and legal protections to ensure informed consent is obtained before any procedure. Healthcare providers and agencies facilitating the process will also be held accountable under the proposed law.
If passed, the bill will mark Nigeria’s first comprehensive legal framework to govern surrogacy, a space that has long operated without official oversight. Lawmakers are expected to debate the proposal in the coming days.
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