The Lux Terra Chapel of the Catholic Church in Apo has raised an alarm over the growing exploitation and ethical abuses linked to surrogacy and In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) practices in Nigeria.

In a communiqué released on Wednesday following a Mother’s Day event held on April 19, the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, highlighted that while the Church sympathizes with the pain of childless couples, the current trajectory of reproductive technology in the country often violates the sanctity of motherhood.

The “Commodification” of the Female Body
During the event, reproductive health specialist Dr. Gloria Ode addressed participants on the rising trend of surrogacy among both married couples and single individuals. The discussion revealed several troubling patterns:

Exploitation of the Poor: Participants expressed deep concern over “egg harvesting” and “womb renting,” where impoverished young women undergo invasive medical procedures for meager financial compensation.

Health Risks: The communiqué noted that many of these women have limited awareness of the long-term physical and psychological consequences of these complex medical interventions.

Economic Transactions: Discussants argued that these practices reduce the divine vocation of motherhood to a mere commercial exchange, describing it as a form of “trafficking in gametes and organs.”

Convenience Surrogacy: The chapel specifically condemned the trend of affluent women resorting to surrogacy solely to avoid the physical changes associated with pregnancy, rather than out of medical necessity.

A Call for Urgent Regulation
The communiqué pointed out a critical gap in Nigeria’s healthcare system: the lack of a legal and ethical framework governing assisted reproductive technologies.

”Participants observed that IVF and surrogate motherhood remain largely unregulated in Nigeria’s medical practice, raising grave ethical and legal concerns,” Ehusani stated.

The Way Forward
The Lux Terra community is calling on Christian leaders and social stakeholders to advocate for government intervention. The goal is to establish an effective regulatory framework that protects vulnerable women from exploitation and ensures that medical practices remain within the bounds of human dignity and ethical standards.

The event concluded by reiterating the Church’s stance on the “dignity, sanctity, and beauty of motherhood,” urging a return to values that prioritize the person over the process.