Motherhood, Money and Morality: Inside the Growing Surrogacy Debate in Nigeria

Published By Eloyi Matthew On Apr 22, 2026

Motherhood, Money and Morality: Inside the Growing Surrogacy Debate in Nigeria

By Matthew Eloyi

At a time when medical advances are expanding the possibilities of childbirth, concerns are mounting over the ethical boundaries of surrogacy in Nigeria, with faith leaders and health professionals warning of potential exploitation hidden beneath its promise.

These concerns took centre stage at the Lux Terra Chapel of the Catholic Church in Apo during a Mother’s Day event on April 19, where conversations about the dignity of motherhood quickly evolved into a broader reflection on the rising use of assisted reproductive technologies.

In a communiqué issued after the event, the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, said the gathering, held in line with celebrations across Catholic communities nationwide, was intended to highlight the dignity, sanctity and beauty of motherhood among Christians. However, discussions revealed deep unease about emerging trends in surrogacy practices.

A key moment at the event was a presentation by Dr Gloria Ode, a reproductive health specialist, who shed light on what she described as troubling patterns associated with surrogate motherhood among both single women and married couples.

According to Ehusani, Ode warned that some practices amounted to abuse of the female body and undermined what many participants regard as the divine vocation and dignity of motherhood. Her remarks sparked concern among attendees, many of whom grappled with the tension between technological possibility and ethical responsibility.

While participants acknowledged the emotional and psychological toll of infertility on couples, they raised red flags over what they see as the growing commodification of women’s bodies. Particular concern was expressed for economically vulnerable young women who, according to discussions, are often drawn into egg donation or surrogacy arrangements for minimal financial reward.

Ehusani said participants highlighted cases where women rented out their wombs for paltry sums, undergoing complex and invasive medical procedures with limited understanding of the possible long-term physical and psychological consequences.

Beyond individual cases, discussants framed the issue as part of a wider moral and social dilemma. He noted that some participants argued that such practices reduce motherhood to economic transactions and could amount to trafficking in gametes, organs and the bodies of vulnerable women involved in surrogacy arrangements.

Another dimension of the debate focused on changing social attitudes among more affluent groups. According to the communiqué, participants described as troubling a trend where some women, despite having no infertility challenges, turn to surrogacy to preserve body shape potentially affected by pregnancy and childbirth.

“Participants observed that IVF and surrogate motherhood remain largely unregulated in Nigeria’s medical practice, raising ethical and legal concerns within the health and social sectors.

“They called on stakeholders, including Christian leaders, to pressure government to establish effective regulatory frameworks for IVF and surrogate motherhood practices in the country.”

As Nigeria’s healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the conversation at Lux Terra Chapel reflects a broader national reckoning, one that pits scientific advancement against ethical considerations, and personal choice against societal responsibility. For many observers, the question is no longer whether surrogacy will grow, but how it will be guided, regulated and understood in a rapidly changing society.