Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission Bill Passes Second Reading in House of Representatives
In a significant development, a bill aimed at establishing the Nigeria Surrogacy Regulatory Commission has successfully scaled the second reading in the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation seeks to regulate surrogacy arrangements, monitor and supervise surrogacy processes, and provide for the registration of surrogacy agreements. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (APC-Oyo) during a plenary session on Thursday.
According to Rep. Alao-Akala, the bill aims to protect the rights of all parties involved, including the child, by eliminating discrimination, exploitation, and promoting fair practices. Speaking to newsmen after the plenary, Alao-Akala emphasized that the bill is not a forceful law, but rather a law of choice that allows individuals to make informed decisions about surrogacy.
The Nigerian Surrogacy Regulatory Commission bill aims to support struggling couples who wish to have children, providing them with a safe and regulated means of pursuing their reproductive goals. Surrogacy is a process where a woman carries and delivers a child or children for a couple or individual who cannot have children on their own or do not wish to undergo pregnancy.
While acknowledging that the bill may not be universally accepted due to cultural and religious differences, Alao-Akala stressed that it is a law that is designed to guide individuals who wish to pursue surrogacy in Nigeria. He emphasized that the bill does not mandate that everyone must have children through surrogacy, but rather provides a framework for those who choose to do so.
The proposed legislation is an important step towards regulating surrogacy in Nigeria, providing much-needed clarity and protection for all parties involved. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is essential that all stakeholders, including religious leaders, medical professionals, and civil society organizations, are consulted to ensure that the final law reflects the needs and concerns of all parties.
