Dr Peace Mmewurum-Udeh, a Fertility Counsellor at Making Families Surrogacy Limited (MFSL), speaks with The Guardian about misconceptions surrounding surrogacy, the challenges facing intended parents and surrogates, and the importance of legal, medical and emotional support throughout the process.

What is the biggest misconception people have about surrogacy in Nigeria?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that surrogacy involves “giving away a baby” or is simply an informal arrangement between individuals. In reality, responsible surrogacy is a structured process supported by legal agreements, medical professionals and counselling.

At Making Families Surrogacy Limited, we coordinate and manage the entire journey, from education and matching to post-delivery support. Medical procedures are carried out by licensed fertility specialists, while our legal team prepares the contractual framework. The process is built on three key pillars: legal protection, medical coordination and emotional support.

What are the main challenges surrounding surrogacy in Nigeria?

Three major issues stand out.

The first is misinformation and social stigma. Many people confuse surrogacy with egg donation or assume it is illegal. Greater public awareness is essential to replace misconceptions with informed understanding.

The second is the absence of structured agreements in informal arrangements. Problems often arise where there are no written contracts. Proper legal documentation protects both intended parents and surrogates and helps reduce the risk of exploitation.

The third challenge is the emotional complexity of the process. Surrogacy is not purely a medical or legal journey. Both intended parents and surrogates require counselling and ongoing support to understand their rights, responsibilities and the emotional aspects involved.

Can you explain, in general terms, how IVF and embryo transfer work in surrogacy?

I can explain the general process, while the medical procedures themselves are handled by licensed fertility clinics.

The IVF process involves the clinic creating embryos using the gametes of the intended parents and, where necessary, donors. All procedures are supervised by qualified fertility specialists.

When it is time for embryo transfer, the clinic schedules the procedure and provides all medical instructions. Our role at MFSL is to coordinate logistics, offer counselling and ensure everyone involved understands what to expect throughout the process.

Following the transfer, we continue to provide emotional support and care coordination, while the clinic oversees medical follow-up and prescribed medications.

What are some of the most common myths about surrogacy?

One common misconception is that surrogacy means a woman is giving away her own child.

In gestational surrogacy, which is the model coordinated by Making Families Surrogacy Limited, the surrogate carries an embryo created from the intended parents’ or donors’ gametes. The surrogate has no genetic relationship with the child, while legal parentage is established through contractual agreements from the outset.

Another misconception is that surrogacy is illegal in Nigeria.

Nigeria currently has no standalone Surrogacy Act. However, surrogacy arrangements are governed through contract law, constitutional rights and established medical and legal principles. Every surrogacy journey coordinated by MFSL is supported by legally binding agreements.

There is also a widespread belief that surrogates have no rights and are easily exploited.

Exploitation is far more likely where there is no proper structure. Responsible programmes ensure surrogates receive written contracts, informed consent, independent legal advice, confidentiality and continuous support throughout the process. At MFSL, protecting the rights and welfare of all parties remains a priority.

Who can schedule a consultation with MFSL?

Anyone.

Consultations are open to intended parents, family members, students, healthcare professionals and individuals who simply want to learn more about surrogacy. There is no obligation to proceed with treatment, and all discussions remain confidential.

What advice would you give someone who is just beginning to learn about surrogacy?

Start by educating yourself.

Ask questions and seek accurate information before making any decisions. It is important to understand how your privacy will be protected, what legal safeguards are in place and what emotional support will be available throughout the journey.

Every family’s circumstances are unique. Surrogacy is one option available to some people on the path to parenthood, and decisions should always be based on informed understanding rather than misconceptions.

 

For a free consultation on surrogacy education:

WhatsApp: +2349067856123 | Email: [email protected] | http://www.makingfamiliessurrogacy.com

Disclaimer: MFSL arranges and manages surrogacy and egg donation processes. Legal contracts are handled by our legal team. All medical evaluations, IVF procedures, and embryo transfer procedures are conducted solely by licensed medical partners. MFSL does not provide medical advice. This interview provides general educational information only.