By KBL Media The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministries of Health, Women Affairs, and Information and National Orie...
By KBL Media
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministries of Health, Women Affairs, and Information and National Orientation to take decisive action against the illegal harvesting and commercialization of human eggs in Nigeria. This resolution was adopted on Thursday following a motion by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus La’ori, who represents the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa State.
La’ori, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, raised the motion by highlighting the significant ethical, legal, and health concerns surrounding the commercialization of human eggs, especially in the context of illegal harvesting. He noted that the issue has gained prominence in Nigeria due to a growing demand for assisted reproductive technologies amid insufficient regulatory frameworks.
“Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in reproductive health, is still evolving. Coupled with increasing infertility rates among couples seeking assisted reproductive treatments, this has led to a flourishing market for human eggs,” La’ori explained.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the exploitative practices involved in this market, which often target vulnerable women, especially poor teenagers who are unaware of the risks. He cited a 2021 case in Lagos, where authorities uncovered an illegal egg-harvesting scheme involving a network of medical professionals and agents. These individuals lured young women, mostly students or low-income earners, with monetary rewards ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 (approximately $120 to $300)—amounts significantly lower than international standards.
“Many of these women had little knowledge about the medical procedures, potential health risks, and ethical implications of egg donation. Some experienced serious complications, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS),” he stated. La’ori further mentioned that investigations by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) began after a woman suffered complications during an operation at a local clinic.
In another instance in 2022, an Abuja-based fertility clinic was discovered to be illegally commercializing human eggs for foreign clients, enrolling women under false pretenses as part of supposed legitimate donation programs. Reports revealed that the clinic inflated egg prices for international couples via its online platform, further highlighting the urgent need for robust regulations in Nigeria’s fertility practices.
La’ori lamented the lack of comprehensive legislation governing reproductive health in Nigeria, which he said has allowed such illegal activities to thrive. While the National Health Act provides some guidance on reproductive health, it does not specifically address egg donation and commercialization. He also expressed concern that Nigeria’s worsening economic situation has made young women more vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous practitioners, who prioritize financial gain over the donors’ health and well-being.
In adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Development, along with the Ministry of Women Affairs, to establish support systems for women who have participated in egg donation to address health complications and psychological impacts.
The House also tasked the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation with launching public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the risks and ethical concerns of egg donation, thereby discouraging exploitation.
Additionally, the House mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to investigate the prevalence of illegal egg donation and the practices surrounding assisted reproductive technologies in Nigeria. The committee is to recommend measures to prevent further incidents and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
To ensure accountability, the Committees on Healthcare Services and Legislative Compliance were also instructed to monitor and enforce compliance with these resolutions.
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