A Complete Guide to Gestational Surrogacy in Nigeria: Process, Laws, and How Medical Art Center Can Help

Your journey to parenthood begins with knowledge and compassionate care

Introduction: Understanding Gestational Surrogacy

For countless couples and individuals across Nigeria, the dream of parenthood faces challenges from infertility, medical conditions, and other barriers to pregnancy. Gestational surrogacy has emerged as a scientifically advanced and emotionally rewarding path to building a family in these circumstances.

As a pioneering fertility treatment center in Nigeria, Medical Art Center has dedicated decades to perfecting the medical, ethical, and emotional frameworks that make gestational surrogacy successful. This comprehensive guide illuminates the entire process—from medical procedures to legal considerations—empowering intended parents with the knowledge needed to embark on this transformative journey with confidence.

What is Gestational Surrogacy? Understanding the Science

Gestational surrogacy is an assisted reproductive technology where an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) is transferred to a surrogate who carries and delivers the baby without having any genetic connection to the child. This fundamental distinction separates it from other forms of surrogacy and creates clearer legal and genetic relationships.

Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy: Key Differences

Medical Art Center focuses exclusively on gestational surrogacy to provide the most secure legal and emotional framework for all parties involved. This approach aligns with global best practices in assisted reproduction .

Why Do Intended Parents Choose Gestational Surrogacy?

The decision to pursue surrogacy is deeply personal and typically stems from specific medical circumstances or social factors:

• Uterine Factor Infertility: This includes Müllerian anomalies (congenital absence of the uterus), Asherman’s syndrome (uterine scarring), previous hysterectomy, or serious uterine damage that prevents embryo implantation or successful pregnancy carriage .

• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Multiple unexplained miscarriages despite genetically normal embryos may indicate an inability to carry a pregnancy to term.

• Medical Conditions Making Pregnancy Dangerous: Serious cardiovascular conditions, certain autoimmune disorders, renal disease, or previous life-threatening pregnancy complications like preeclampsia .

• Advanced Maternal Age: For women of advanced reproductive age who cannot carry a pregnancy safely but can produce eggs or use donor eggs.

• Same-Sex Couples & Single Intended Parents: Male same-sex couples and single men who want genetic children through use of an egg donor and gestational carrier .

Research published by Medical Art Center specialists revealed that the most common indication for surrogacy in their program was multiple failed IVF cycles, followed by uterine factor infertility and advanced maternal age .

The Legal Landscape of Surrogacy in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

Understanding Nigeria’s legal environment for surrogacy is crucial for intended parents. The current landscape presents both opportunities and considerations that require careful navigation.

Current Regulatory Framework

No comprehensive federal legislation specifically governs surrogacy in Nigeria, creating a legal landscape that requires expert guidance . While surrogacy isn’t explicitly prohibited, the absence of specific laws means practices vary and rely on established medical guidelines.

The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill was introduced to create a regulatory framework but has not yet been passed into law . In the absence of federal legislation, fertility centers like Medical Art Center typically follow established international guidelines, particularly those from the United Kingdom’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, adapted to the Nigerian context .

Practical Legal Considerations

Despite the regulatory gaps, thousands of successful surrogacy arrangements have been completed in Nigeria through careful planning:

• Legal Parentage: Under Nigerian family law, the woman who gives birth is initially recognized as the legal mother, regardless of genetic connections . Medical Art Center provides guidance on the legal processes to establish parentage for intended parents.

• Surrogacy Agreements: Comprehensive contracts outlining rights, responsibilities, financial arrangements, and post-birth parental transfer are essential. These documents, while not explicitly defined in Nigerian law, provide a framework under contract law principles .

• Ethical Guidelines: Reputable clinics adhere to strict ethical standards, including independent legal counsel for all parties, psychological screening, and medical eligibility criteria for surrogates .

Medical Art Center’s approach includes connecting intended parents with legal professionals experienced in reproductive law to navigate these considerations effectively.

Medical Art Center’s Gestational Surrogacy Program: What We Offer

With over four decades of experience in reproductive medicine, Medical Art Center has developed a comprehensive surrogacy program that addresses the medical, emotional, and legal aspects of the journey.

Comprehensive Medical Services

• Full Gestational Surrogacy Services: Our program exclusively focuses on gestational carriers who have no genetic connection to the embryos they carry, providing clearer legal and emotional boundaries .

• Advanced Reproductive Technologies: State-of-the-art IVF and ICSI procedures ensure the highest possible success rates for embryo creation .

• Pre-implantation Genetic Testing: PGT for aneuploidy screening allows for identification of chromosomally normal embryos, significantly increasing implantation success and reducing miscarriage risks .

• Comprehensive Embryo Services: Cryopreservation, embryo banking, and careful embryo selection protocols maximize the chances of successful pregnancy.

Success Metrics and Experience

Medical Art Center’s commitment to excellence is reflected in their documented outcomes:

• 81% live birth rate from their surrogacy program, compared to international averages of 32-50%

• 63 live births achieved during their documented study period

• 58 gestational carriers successfully managed in their program

These impressive results stem from the center’s policy of transferring two embryos, though they are transitioning toward elective single embryo transfers to reduce multiple pregnancy risks .

The Gestational Surrogacy Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the surrogacy journey involves multiple carefully orchestrated stages. Understanding this process helps intended parents prepare emotionally and practically.

Initial Consultation and Evaluation

The journey begins with comprehensive medical and psychological assessments of both intended parents and potential surrogates. This includes:

• Detailed medical history review and physical examinations

• Fertility testing (hormonal profiles, ultrasound scans, semen analysis)

• Infectious disease screening and genetic carrier testing

• Psychological evaluation to ensure emotional readiness for all parties

Preparation and Embryo Creation

• Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval: The intended mother or egg donor undergoes controlled ovarian stimulation followed by egg retrieval procedure .

• Fertilization and Embryo Development: Eggs are fertilized with sperm from the intended father or donor through IVF or ICSI, with resulting embryos cultured for 3-5 days .

• Surrogate Synchronization: The gestational carrier receives medications to precisely synchronize her menstrual cycle with the timing of embryo transfer.

Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy

• Embryo Transfer Procedure: Selected embryos are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus in a simple, painless procedure .

• Pregnancy Confirmation and Monitoring: Approximately 10-14 days after transfer, blood tests confirm pregnancy, followed by regular ultrasound monitoring and prenatal care .

• Ongoing Support and Communication: Medical Art Center facilitates appropriate communication between intended parents and the surrogate throughout the pregnancy.

Delivery and Parental Transition

• Delivery Planning: Coordination with the delivery hospital ensures intended parents’ presence during birth and proper handling of legal documentation.

• Establishing Parental Rights: Guidance provided for the legal processes to ensure intended parents are recognized as the child’s legal parents.

• Postnatal Support: Comprehensive care for both newborn and surrogate during the postpartum period.

Financial Considerations: Understanding the Costs

While costs vary based on individual circumstances, intended parents should prepare for several key expense categories:

• Medical Procedures: IVF/ICSI treatment, embryo creation, medications, and embryo transfer procedures

• Surrogate Expenses: Compensation, medical insurance, maternity clothing, and living expenses

• Legal Fees: Contract development, parental order proceedings, and birth certificate processing

• Additional Costs: Psychological counseling, travel expenses, and contingency funds

Medical Art Center believes in transparent pricing and offers financial counseling to help intended parents understand and plan for these expenses . While specific costs vary based on individual circumstances, the center works to make surrogacy accessible through clear financial planning.

Ethical Framework: Ensuring Everyone’s Wellbeing

At Medical Art Center, ethical practice forms the foundation of their surrogacy program:

• Informed Consent: All parties receive comprehensive information about procedures, risks, and legal implications before providing consent .

• Surrogate Welfare: Carriers undergo thorough medical and psychological screening, receive appropriate medical care, and have independent legal representation .

• Psychological Support: Counseling services available throughout the journey for intended parents and surrogates alike .

• Legal Protections: Clear contracts outline expectations, responsibilities, and financial arrangements to prevent misunderstandings .

This ethical approach has resulted in largely positive relationships between surrogates and intended parents, with minimal conflicts reported in their published outcomes .

Taking the First Step: Guidance for Intended Parents

If you’re considering gestational surrogacy, these practical steps can help you begin your journey:

1. Schedule a Consultation: Meet with Medical Art Center’s specialists to discuss your specific situation and determine if surrogacy is appropriate for your needs .

2. Seek Independent Legal Advice: Consult with an attorney experienced in Nigerian reproductive law to understand your rights and responsibilities .

3. Evaluate Your Financial Readiness: Review your financial situation and explore payment options to ensure you can comfortably manage the expenses.

4. Engage in Psychological Preparation: Consider counseling to emotionally prepare for the surrogacy journey and address any concerns or questions.

5. Develop a Support System: Identify friends, family members, or support groups who can provide emotional support throughout the process.

Medical Art Center’s team is available to guide you through each of these preparatory steps, ensuring you feel confident and supported as you begin this transformative journey toward parenthood.

Conclusion: Realizing Your Dream of Parenthood

Gestational surrogacy represents a remarkable combination of medical innovation and human compassion, offering a viable path to parenthood for those who cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves. While the journey requires significant emotional, financial, and legal commitment, the outcome—the opportunity to build your family—is immeasurably rewarding.

As Nigeria’s legal landscape continues to evolve, Medical Art Center remains committed to providing the highest standard of care, ethical practice, and emotional support throughout the surrogacy process. Their documented success and four decades of experience offer intended parents the confidence and security needed to embark on this life-changing journey.

If you’re ready to explore how gestational surrogacy might help you achieve your dream of parenthood, contact Medical Art Center today to schedule a confidential consultation with their specialist team. Your journey to holding your baby in your arms begins with a single step .