The House of Representatives has initiated measures to curb the illegal harvesting and commercial trade of human eggs in Nigeria. In a resolution passed on Thursday, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Development, alongside the Ministry of Women Affairs, to establish support systems for women who have donated eggs, addressing the health and psychological challenges associated with the practice.
It also called on the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to intensify public awareness campaigns to educate potential donors on the medical risks and ethical concerns of egg donation, discouraging exploitation in the process.
The motion was presented by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus La’ori, representing Adamawa State, who emphasized the growing ethical, legal, and health concerns surrounding the illegal trade of human eggs. La’ori noted that while the demand for assisted reproductive technologies is increasing, Nigeria’s lack of adequate regulatory frameworks has left the practice largely unchecked.
Highlighting the country’s evolving healthcare system and rising infertility rates, La’ori expressed concern that vulnerable women, particularly low-income earners and teenagers, are being targeted by exploitative networks. He cited a 2021 case in Lagos where medical professionals and agents lured women with promises of financial compensation ranging between N200,000 and N500,000 for egg donation—a sum significantly below international standards.
La’ori also recounted how some women, unaware of the medical and ethical risks, suffered serious health complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). He referenced another incident in 2022, where an Abuja-based fertility clinic was found illegally commercializing human eggs to international clients under false pretenses, inflating egg prices on online platforms.
The lawmaker stressed the urgency of implementing robust regulatory frameworks, as current provisions under the National Health Act are insufficient to govern egg donation and commercialisation. He added that the worsening economic situation has further exacerbated the issue, with many young women falling victim to exploitative practices in a bid to alleviate financial hardships.
The House called for comprehensive legislation to address these concerns and ensure ethical standards are upheld in reproductive health practices across Nigeria.