Fertility and reproductive health experts have called for wider access to affordable fertility treatment for Nigerians, while urging stronger laws to regulate assisted reproductive technology and curb abuses linked to surrogacy and “baby factories.”
The experts spoke at a news conference, on Thursday September 10, ahead of the 2nd African Federation of Fertility Societies and 16th Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health conference, scheduled for Sept. 24 to 26 in Abuja. AFRH President, Prof. Preye Fiebai, said the high cost of treatment was largely driven by imported drugs and medical materials.
Fiebai also urged practitioners to improve reporting of fertility procedures to demonstrate the size of Nigeria’s market and attract more investment. He said Nigeria’s relatively lower treatment costs were already attracting Nigerians in the diaspora and foreigners seeking fertility care, but called for government and insurance support for patients unable to afford treatment.
The experts further advocated speedy passage of legislation regulating Assisted Reproductive Technology, saying proper regulation would protect patients, practitioners and children born through assisted reproduction. They also encouraged fertility preservation and continued investment in training and innovation to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub for reproductive healthcare in Africa.
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