Commodification of Motherhood in Nigeria: An Afrocentric Examination of Commercial Gestational Surrogacy

Abstract

Commercial gestational surrogacy is a growing area of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) that is increasingly prevalent around the world, including in Nigeria. Contributing factors include rising fertility issues; increased financial pressure; and technological advancements in the field of reproductive medicine. Although commercial gestational surrogacy can be beneficial for individuals who wish to become parents, it raises serious ethical, social and philosophical questions regarding the commodification of motherhood and human reproduction. The objective of this study is to provide a critical assessment of commercial gestational surrogacy in Nigeria using the Afrocentric lens. In doing so, this study adopted an Afrocentric perspective to understand how Nigerian women perceive motherhood, community, human dignity and personhood. This study argued that commercialising reproductive labour reduces the value of motherhood from being viewed as a sacred socio-cultural institution to a business based contractually driven relationship. Using Afrocentric philosophy and African ethical thought this study asserted that commercial surrogacy is at odds with many African traditional views on motherhood as a communal relational institution that is both morally important and valued rather than just providing a service. This study discussed the socioeconomic aspects that make poor women more susceptible to exploitative practices while engaging in surrogacy agreements due to lack of legal regulations in Nigeria. This study acknowledged that if commercial surrogacy remains unregulated in Nigeria, then it may continue to perpetuate unequal treatment of women by exacerbating their vulnerability to economic exploitation and degrading maternal dignity. This study concluded that Nigeria needs a culturally sensitive and ethically conscious legislative framework to protect the rights of women; to protect the dignity of motherhood; and to ensure that reproductive technologies aligned with the socio-cultural norms of Africa.

Keywords: Commercial Gestational Surrogacy, Commodification, Motherhood, Afrocentrism, Reproductive Ethics, Assisted Reproductive Technology.