*** Ashiru raises concern over declining sperm concentration in Nigeria

Fertility experts have called for a comprehensive legal framework to regulate in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), surrogacy and egg donation in Nigeria, warning that gaps in the regulation of assisted reproductive technology could expose patients to malpractice and ethical concerns.

They made the call in Abuja on Saturday at the first anniversary of the Circle Mom Fertility Foundation and its IVF sponsorship programme, themed, “Bridging the Gap Between Fertility Awareness, Access, and Action.”

A former member of the House of Representatives, Dr Joseph Haruna Kigbu, said existing laws were inadequate to address the complexities of assisted conception, stressing the need for specific legislation to regulate fertility clinics and practitioners.

Kigbu, who represented Lafia/Obi/Keana Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State in the seventh National Assembly, said Nigeria needed a comprehensive legal framework with clear standards and enforceable penalties for violations.

He said, “When you go into assisted conception, a very complex science, we need specific laws, punitive measures, and where we have errant doctors, we can also implement them.”

The former lawmaker raised concerns about alleged sharp practices in the fertility treatment sector, including issues surrounding egg donation, embryo selection and transfer, and informed consent.

He said the absence of comprehensive regulation could leave patients vulnerable, particularly when they lacked the technical knowledge to understand procedures and the implications of decisions made during treatment.

Kigbu recalled that efforts to establish a dedicated regulatory framework for assisted conception had faced setbacks, including a bill he sponsored during his time in the House of Representatives.

He called for renewed legislative action, suggesting that fertility treatment could also be considered for coverage under the National Health Insurance Authority to ease the financial burden on couples seeking care.

Fertility law specialist and mental health counsellor, Victoria Ojeabuo, also advocated a holistic legal framework that would keep pace with developments in assisted reproductive technology.

She said legislation should address gamete donation, surrogacy, embryology, medical practice, counselling, informed consent and the welfare of children born through assisted reproduction.

Ojeabuo said, “We want to see a holistic act. We want to see a holistic solution as regards to this area of human society.”

She noted that discussions were ongoing on whether a dedicated government agency or a department within the Federal Ministry of Health should oversee fertility clinics and related services.

According to her, any regulatory framework should ensure that patients receive adequate information and psychosocial support before undergoing fertility procedures, while safeguarding the interests of children born through such interventions.

The President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, raised concerns about declining sperm concentration in Africa, particularly Nigeria, warning that male reproductive health deserved greater attention in efforts to address infertility.

Ashiru said infertility was a shared health challenge affecting both men and women, rather than a problem that should be blamed solely on women.

Citing global estimates, he said about 48 million couples and 186 million individuals experienced infertility-related challenges worldwide, adding that approximately one in six people experienced infertility.

He identified smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, poor nutrition, sexually transmitted infections and exposure to environmental pollutants as factors that could affect reproductive health.

Ashiru also cited exposure to pesticides, petrochemicals and other potentially harmful substances as concerns requiring greater attention.

He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, fertility societies and practitioners to improve awareness, prevention and access to reproductive healthcare.

The founder of the Circle Mom Fertility Foundation, Dr Charles Ojeabuo, said the organisation had provided free fertility counselling, consultations and registration for couples during its first year, alongside discounted treatment for some beneficiaries.

He announced that the foundation would sponsor 10 free IVF treatments for financially disadvantaged couples as part of efforts to reduce the cost barrier to fertility care.

Ojeabuo said the initiative was designed to ensure that couples were not forced to choose between financial constraints and their desire to have children.

He added that two beneficiary families were present at the anniversary to share their experiences, while other patients supported by the foundation were pregnant and awaiting delivery.

Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, who said her support for the initiative was informed by personal experience, urged Nigerians with the financial capacity to assist couples struggling with infertility.

Oriaran-Anthony said she had previously pledged to sponsor six women undergoing fertility treatment and subsequently approached the foundation to help facilitate the process.

She said infertility could have serious financial and emotional consequences and, in some cases, contribute to marital breakdown and strained family relationships.

She appealed to individuals and organisations to support initiatives that would make fertility treatment more accessible, noting that the costs of medication and procedures remained significant obstacles for many couples.

The foundation’s anniversary programme focused on improving fertility awareness, expanding access to treatment and encouraging collaboration among medical practitioners, policymakers and philanthropists to support couples experiencing infertility.