The Nigerian House of Representatives has introduced a landmark bill that seeks to ban commercial surrogacy and strictly regulate the practice for altruistic purposes only.

 

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Protect the Health and Well-being of Women, Particularly in Relation to Surrogacy and for Related Matters,” the proposed legislation is sponsored by Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, who represents Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency of Anambra State.

 

The bill, presented earlier this week, is scheduled for full debate next week and is already generating interest across healthcare, legal, and human rights sectors.

The primary goal of the bill is to establish a clear legal framework for surrogacy in Nigeria—ensuring that the practice is ethical, safe, and non-exploitative, especially for surrogate mothers.

 

Some of the key provisions of the bill include:

• A total ban on commercial surrogacy, eliminating profit-driven arrangements.

• Endorsement of only altruistic surrogacy, where no financial gain is permitted beyond reimbursement for medical and pregnancy-related expenses.

• A minimum age of 21 for surrogate mothers.

• Mandatory counselling for both surrogate mothers and intended parents.

• Explicit protections to guard against coercion or forced surrogacy agreements.

Under the proposed law, violators — including individuals, surrogacy agencies, or healthcare providers — could face up to two years in prison, a fine of N2 million, or both.

Speaking on the need for the legislation, Hon. Okonkwo said the bill is intended to safeguard the dignity of women and prevent the commodification of children.

 

“This legislation is about protecting the rights and welfare of women, especially surrogate mothers, and ensuring that surrogacy is not used as a tool of exploitation,” he said.

 

He added that Nigeria has operated in a legal vacuum when it comes to surrogacy, and the time has come to regulate the practice responsibly.

 

If passed, the bill would mark a significant step in reproductive rights legislation in Nigeria, aligning the country with growing global concerns about the ethics and implications of commercial surrogacy.