Nigerian experts call for law to regulate IVF
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
Doctors, lawmakers, lawyers and mental health specialists are calling for legislation to regulate in vitro fertilisation and surrogacy in Nigeria. Meeting in Abuja for the first anniversary of the Circle Mom Fertility Foundation, they warned of exploitation risks and inadequate safeguards, while the foundation announced ten free IVF treatments, reports Vanguard.
Doctors, parliamentarians, lawyers and mental health specialists are calling on Nigeria to adopt specific legislation on in vitro fertilisation (IVF), surrogacy and other medically assisted reproduction techniques. They are warning of the risks of exploiting vulnerable women and the lack of sufficient safeguards for couples, donors, surrogate mothers and children, according to Vanguard.
Participants at the first anniversary of the Circle Mom Fertility Foundation in Abuja are calling for mandatory professional standards, more accessible treatment and specialised psychological support. The foundation announced that it would provide ten free IVF treatments to selected families.
Joseph Haruna Kigbu, a doctor and former Nigerian MP, believes that general health regulations and private agreements are no longer sufficient to regulate the sector. He notably wants provisions on egg donation, embryo storage, the number of embryos transferred and access to information on genetic parentage. A proposal he had supported to create a regulatory authority for assisted conception met resistance during a public hearing, according to Vanguard.
