An Ethical Examination of the Challenges of In-Vitro Fertilisation in Nigeria

Abstract

It is the position of this paper that the availability of In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment clinics in Nigeria's healthcare system has moral implications which are as yet not fully considered nor critically understudied. The paper argues that the availability of such procedures ought to be properly considered and the many ramifications it may have to individuals as well as to national values be comprehensively examined at this early stage before it becomes widespread so as to preserve both our national values and the good of the individual citizen. It proceeds by identifying the need for Nigeria as a country to dedicate resources for research based innovations; it also examines the practice of IVF in Nigeria highlighting history, procedure and accessibility. The paper then proceeds to discuss some challenges of IVF in Nigeria before arguing that there are moral objections to IVF that call for national discussion at an early stage. It concludes that IVF has the potential to change the values of Nigerians and it would be wise if these values change consciously rather than unconsciously.

Experiences of female clients in the assisted reproductive technology process in Nigeria

“…The first baby born through IVF in Nigeria was in Lagos University Teaching Hospital by Oladapo Ashiru and his team in 1989 though there were documented pregnancies in 1984 and 1986 12 . Subsequently, fertility centres have arisen throughout the country with provision of almost all forms of assisted conception services.…”