A Fertility Counsellor at Making Families Surrogacy Limited (MFSL), Dr. Peace Mmewurum-Udeh, has identified misinformation, social stigma and inadequate understanding of legal safeguards as some of the major factors contributing to persistent misconceptions about surrogacy in Nigeria.
Speaking on the growing interest in alternative pathways to parenthood, Dr. Mmewurum-Udeh said many Nigerians mistakenly view surrogacy as a process involving a woman “giving away her baby” or as an informal arrangement between individuals.
According to her, responsible surrogacy is a carefully structured process involving legal agreements, medical professionals and emotional support systems designed to protect all parties involved.
She explained that the process is built on three core pillars—legal protection, medical coordination and emotional support—with fertility clinics handling all medical procedures while legal professionals oversee contractual arrangements.
Addressing the challenges surrounding surrogacy in Nigeria, the fertility counsellor highlighted misinformation and social stigma as major obstacles.
“Many people confuse surrogacy with egg donation or assume it is illegal. There is a need for greater public awareness to replace misconceptions with accurate information,” she said.
Dr. Mmewurum-Udeh also pointed to the risks associated with informal surrogacy arrangements, noting that the absence of properly documented agreements often leads to disputes and misunderstandings.
She stressed that written contracts are essential in safeguarding the interests of both intended parents and surrogates while reducing the likelihood of exploitation.
Beyond the legal and medical aspects, she described surrogacy as an emotionally demanding journey that requires continuous counselling and support for everyone involved.
“Surrogacy is not purely a medical or legal process. Intended parents and surrogates need guidance to understand their rights, responsibilities and the emotional realities that may arise throughout the journey,” she explained.
On the role of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and embryo transfer in surrogacy, Dr. Mmewurum-Udeh noted that all medical procedures are carried out by licensed fertility specialists. She explained that embryos are created using the gametes of intended parents or donors where necessary, after which fertility clinics oversee embryo transfer and subsequent medical care.
According to her, support organisations such as MFSL primarily coordinate logistics, provide counselling and help participants navigate the process while medical professionals remain responsible for clinical treatment and follow-up care.
The fertility counsellor also addressed several common myths surrounding surrogacy. One of the most widespread misconceptions, she said, is the belief that a surrogate mother has a genetic relationship with the child she carries.
She explained that in gestational surrogacy, which is the most commonly coordinated model, the surrogate carries an embryo created from the gametes of the intended parents or donors and therefore has no biological connection to the child.
Dr. Mmewurum-Udeh further challenged the notion that surrogacy is illegal in Nigeria, noting that while the country currently lacks a dedicated Surrogacy Act, such arrangements are guided by existing legal principles, contractual agreements and constitutional rights.
She also dismissed claims that surrogates are routinely exploited, arguing that well-structured programmes provide legal protection, informed consent procedures, confidentiality safeguards and continuous support throughout the process.
According to her, consultations on surrogacy should not be limited to prospective parents alone but should also be available to family members, healthcare professionals, students and anyone seeking reliable information about the practice.
Offering advice to individuals exploring surrogacy for the first time, she encouraged them to prioritise education and seek accurate information before making any decisions.
“Every family’s situation is unique. Surrogacy is one of several options available to people seeking to build families, and decisions should always be based on informed understanding rather than misconceptions,” she said.
Dr. Mmewurum-Udeh emphasised the importance of understanding privacy protections, legal safeguards and emotional support mechanisms before embarking on the surrogacy journey, noting that informed decision-making remains central to a positive experience for all parties involved.
Surrogacy Misconceptions Persist in Nigeria, Says Fertility Counsellor
