He acknowledged that the bill may not receive universal acceptance due to varying cultural and religious beliefs across the country but insisted it is crucial to have a regulatory framework for those opting for surrogacy.
Abuja, Nigeria — The House of Representatives has moved forward with a legislative bill seeking to regulate surrogacy in Nigeria, following its successful second reading during Thursday’s plenary session.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (APC-Oyo), aims to establish a Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission to oversee surrogacy arrangements in the country. The proposed commission would be responsible for the monitoring, supervision, and registration of surrogacy practices, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Surrogacy, a practice where a woman carries and delivers a child for a couple or individual who cannot conceive naturally, has been a subject of concern due to the lack of a formal regulatory framework in Nigeria.
The bill seeks to address these concerns by providing legal protections for all parties involved, including the surrogate, the intended parents, and the child.
In an interview after the plenary, Alao-Akala emphasized that the bill is designed to eliminate discrimination and exploitation in surrogacy agreements. He noted that the proposed legislation would provide support for couples facing infertility challenges and create a safe and structured environment for surrogacy to thrive.
“This kind of law is not a law of force; it is a law of choice because it’s about people wanting to have children and choosing this route to achieve that goal,” said Alao-Akala. “It’s not a binding law that mandates everyone must have children through surrogacy.”
He acknowledged that the bill may not receive universal acceptance due to varying cultural and religious beliefs across the country but insisted it is crucial to have a regulatory framework for those opting for surrogacy.
“Like I said, it is not a forceful law but a law put in place so that when anybody wants to get involved in it, there are laws guiding it,” Alao-Akala reiterated.
The House of Representatives is expected to hold further debates and consultations as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
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