The House of Representatives has introduced a bill to ban commercial surrogacy in Nigeria and regulate the practice solely for altruistic purposes.
Sponsored by Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo (Idemili North/South, Anambra), the bill—titled A Bill for an Act to Protect the Health and Well-being of Women, Particularly in Relation to Surrogacy—seeks to ensure surrogacy is ethical, safe, and non-commercial.
Key provisions include:
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A total ban on commercial surrogacy
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Support for only altruistic surrogacy
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Minimum age of 21 for surrogate mothers
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Mandatory counselling for all parties
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Protection against coercion
Violators risk up to two years in prison, a fine of N2 million, or both.
Okonkwo said the bill aims to prevent exploitation and clarify laws around surrogacy in Nigeria.
