NISA Premier Hospital, Abuja, has called on the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and surrogacy, warning that inadequate oversight could expose patients to unethical practices and undermine confidence in assisted reproductive technology.

The Group Managing Director of NISA Medical Group, Dr Musa Shuaibu, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, stressing the need for clear standards to guide fertility treatment and protect prospective parents, children and medical practitioners.

Shuaibu said a comprehensive regulatory framework would address misconceptions, discourage unqualified individuals from offering fertility services and provide clearer guidelines for procedures associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART).

He noted that although acceptance of fertility treatments was growing among educated Nigerians, cultural beliefs, religious considerations and limited public understanding continued to influence attitudes towards IVF and surrogacy.

According to him, sustained public education is necessary to help communities understand how medical science can assist couples experiencing difficulties with conception.

“Among the enlightened, I would say we are making progress, but in many communities, people still have questions about what these procedures mean and what they are all about,” he said.

He added that medical professionals, journalists and relevant institutions had important roles to play in providing accurate information about fertility treatments and distinguishing legitimate medical procedures from unethical practices.

Shuaibu warned that reports of unqualified individuals offering fertility services could weaken public confidence and increase apprehension among couples seeking medical assistance.

He also urged journalists to verify medical claims and consult qualified specialists when reporting on reproductive health, cautioning that misinformation could create unnecessary fear among prospective patients.

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NISA Challenges Misconceptions About Infertility

The NISA Medical Group chief also challenged the widespread perception that infertility is primarily a woman’s problem, insisting that investigations should involve both partners.

He explained that difficulties with conception could result from male or female factors, making joint medical assessment important for identifying the underlying causes and determining appropriate treatment.

“Infertility is not exclusively a male or female issue; it is a couple’s concern. When they come for investigation, both partners are evaluated to identify the factors affecting their ability to conceive,” he said.

According to him, treatment options depend on the results of medical investigations. Some men may require assistance with sperm collection or delivery, while some women may need interventions to address reproductive conditions.

He said blaming women exclusively for infertility places unnecessary emotional and social pressure on them while overlooking the contribution of male-factor infertility.

Shuaibu also dismissed claims that children conceived through IVF were biologically different from those conceived naturally.

He explained that IVF involves using medical technology to facilitate fertilisation by bringing eggs and sperm together in a laboratory, after which an embryo may be transferred into the woman’s uterus. The procedure, he said, assists the fertilisation process rather than creating reproductive cells artificially.

 

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Surrogacy Raises Legal and Ethical Questions

Shuaibu explained that IVF and surrogacy were related but distinct procedures. While IVF is a method of fertilisation, surrogacy involves another woman carrying a pregnancy for the intended parent or parents.

He said the procedures could be combined when an embryo created through IVF is transferred to a gestational carrier because the intended mother cannot safely carry a pregnancy.

However, he stressed that surrogacy requires careful medical assessment, psychological preparation and clear agreements between the parties involved.

According to him, pregnancy can create a strong emotional bond between a gestational carrier and the unborn child, potentially complicating arrangements after delivery.

He cited cases in which gestational carriers had reportedly refused to hand over babies after birth despite previously signed agreements, arguing that such disputes demonstrated the need for clearer rules and adequate psychological preparation.

Shuaibu said Nigeria’s regulatory framework for assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy remained inadequate, leaving practitioners to rely substantially on professional guidance and practices in countries with more established arrangements.

“Our call to government has always been that appropriate regulation should be put in place,” he said. “Without a clear framework, there is room for sharp practices by people who may not be qualified to provide these services.”

He urged the Federal Government to establish standards that would define acceptable medical practices, protect patients and children, and distinguish qualified practitioners from unlicensed operators.

 

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Regulation Could Strengthen Public Confidence

A clearer regulatory framework could help establish more consistent standards for fertility services in Nigeria, particularly as public awareness and demand for reproductive assistance grow.

Such oversight would also be important in addressing ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of patients, the responsibilities of intended parents and gestational carriers, and the handling of disagreements that may arise during or after pregnancy.

For couples struggling with infertility, access to reliable information and qualified medical professionals is essential to making informed decisions. Clear rules could also help patients better understand their rights, the procedures involved and the responsibilities of healthcare providers.

However, regulation alone may not address all the challenges facing people seeking fertility treatment. Public education, professional accountability and efforts to improve affordability would also be important in expanding access to safe and reliable services.

Shuaibu said NISA was open to partnerships with organisations seeking to reduce the financial burden of fertility treatment.

He noted that collaboration with relevant institutions could create opportunities to improve access to reproductive healthcare, particularly for couples who struggle to afford the procedures.

The hospital’s appeal places renewed emphasis on the need for Nigeria to address the legal, ethical and public health questions surrounding assisted reproductive technology as more couples consider medical intervention to overcome infertility.

Establishing clear standards, improving public understanding and strengthening safeguards for everyone involved could help build confidence in fertility services while reducing the risks associated with unregulated practice.