Reps move to stop harvesting, commercialisation of human eggs in Nigeria

The House of Representatives on Thursday tasked the Nigerian Government to intensify efforts to halt the growing illegal harvesting and commercialisation of human eggs in the country.

The House’s resolution was sequel to the motion by Kwamoti Bitrus La’ori, the member representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa State.

Presenting the motion, La’ori who is the Chairman House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, noted that the commercialization of human eggs, particularly in the context of illegal harvesting, poses significant ethical, legal and health concerns globally.

He said in Nigeria, the issue has gained prominence due to a growing demand for assisted reproduction amid insufficient regulations.

According to the lawmaker, Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly as it concerns reproductive health, is still evolving.

He noted that the situation, coupled with increasing infertility rates among couples seeking assisted reproductive treatments, has led to a flourishing market for human eggs.

La’ori expressed concern that the demand for human eggs has led to exploitative practices such as illegal egg harvesting and commercialization, often targeting vulnerable women, particularly poor teenagers unaware of the risks involved.

He said in 2021, Nigerian authorities discovered an illegal egg harvesting scheme in Lagos, where a network of medical professionals and agents lured young women, mostly students or low-income earners, with the assurance of monetary rewards for their eggs.

According to him, reportedly, women received between N200,000 and N500,000, or $120 to $300, for their participation in the scheme, which is below international pricing standards.

The lawmaker noted that a large number of women had little knowledge about the medical procedures, potential health risks, and ethical implications of egg donation, noting that some experienced ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) and other serious health issues after harvest.

He added that complications during an operation at a local clinic led to an investigation by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Lao’ri further expressed concern that in 2022, an Abuja-based fertility clinic was found involved in the illegal commercialization of human eggs to foreign clients, enrolling women under false claims of being part of legitimate egg donation programme.

He pointed out that reports suggest the clinic’s online platform is inflating egg prices for international couples, underscoring the need for robust regulatory frameworks to regulate fertility practices in the country.

The absence of comprehensive legislation governing reproductive health in Nigeria has
allowed these illegal activities to thrive, he observed.

While the National Health Act provides some guidelines for reproductive health, specific regulations regarding egg donation and commercialization are lacking.

The lawmaker lamented that due to the effects of the worsening economic situation in the country, this illegal practice has thrived, with many young women seeking financial relief falling prey to unscrupulous practitioners who exploit their desperation for financial relief, ignoring the health risks associated with egg retrieval procedures as well as the unethical commodification of human life and the psychological impact on donors.

In adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Development, and the Ministry of Women Affairs to create support systems for women who have participated in egg donation to help address health complications and psychological impacts.

The House also urged the Ministry of Health and Social Development, and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to intensify public awareness initiatives focusing on the risks and ethical considerations of egg donation to help inform potential donors and discourage exploitation.

The House mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to investigate the spate of illegal egg donation and
practice of assisted reproductive health technologies in Nigeria, recommend measures to prevent further incidents and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

It also mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.